AvailableCar signs five-year remarketing partnership with Cox Automotive

Car supermarket group AvailableCar has signed a five-year remarketing deal with Cox Automotive that will see 12,500 cars per year pass through Manheim auctions.

The new deal extends an existing arrangement between the two firms and will see the independent group sell all remarketing stock from its four retail sites and its car buying service, IsYourCarAvailable.com, through Manheim Auction Services.

Michael Bell, chief executive of AvailableCar, said: “As we continue to grow and refine our business, it’s vital we have partners in place who share our values, can support our evolving needs, and complement – not compete with - our retail activities. I am confident we have that in Cox Automotive. We’re not motivated by short term gain; this is a move that plays an important contribution towards the futureproofing of our business.”

The group previously held a disposal contract with independent vehicle auction G3 Vehicle Auctions.

Manheim Auction Services is taking responsibility for AvailableCar’s full remarketing volume. Stock will sell out of Manheim’s Birmingham, Leeds and Washington physical auctions weekly, with all stock naturally available online via Simulcast. The new programme includes sales in Leeds (Mondays at 10:00) and Washington (Fridays at 10:00), while Birmingham (Wednesdays at 10:00) is a continuation of the existing programme but with additional volume.

Sam Panayides, sales director at Cox Automotive comments: “AvailableCar and Cox Automotive have a longstanding relationship but this new contract is a step-change in terms of our mutual commitment. The long-term nature of the agreement is testament not only to the performance we’ve demonstrated in our time working together but more importantly our commitment to supporting our retail customers without compromise. We are beyond thrilled to be announcing this partnership and very excited for the opportunity ahead.”

Michael adds: “Since first awarding Manheim a proportion of our volume eighteen months ago, we’ve been very impressed with the team’s approach and the performance they’ve delivered. The transition was straight-forward and the hybrid physical and online sales programme is delivering well for us.”

AvailableCar is a family-owned business with stores in Castle Donington, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Cannock and Leeds, and retails in excess of 25,000 vehicles per year.

Last year, Cox Automotive launched a global mobility division with the aim to harness its knowhow in fleet logistics, vehicle lifecycle management and electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Building on the acquisitions of Spiers New Technologies and FleetMaster, Cox Automotive Mobility aims to “bring together data, insights and expertise to deliver targeted mobility support” in the US, UK, Continental Europe, Canada and Mexico.