The Retail Automotive Alliance (RAA) has extended its contract with Cox Automotive for a further two years, while welcoming three new members to its network.

The extension will see the two organisations to continue working together until 2021, enabling RAA members to benefit from Cox Automotive’s services.

More than 124,000 RAA network vehicles will pass through Manheim’s auction centres over the next four years. There will also be a collaboration group formed of delegates from each party, to discuss the need for innovation and use of technology across the industry.

Manheim’s managing director, Peter Bell, said: " This new contract feels like a natural step and will allow us to work together to drive innovation and consider new technologies aimed at future-proofing the automotive industry."

RAA’s business development director, John Matthews, said: "Extending our partnership for a further two years to 2021 means we can invest the resource needed across both organisations to get the maximum value from the new deal for our shareholder members."

The RAA has also welcomed Paynes of Hinckley, Birchwood Motor Group and Dinnages to its national network of dealer group, bringing the totals to 23 shareholder members over 220 UK-based sales outlets.

Matthews said: “Paynes, Birchwood and Dinnages are exactly the type of businesses we are looking for as we continue to grow the membership and they have each been warmly welcomed by all.”

Paynes’ managing director, Nigel Payne, said: “We are delighted to be part of the RAA and enjoy the benefits of scale that the group offers which enable us to be significantly more competitive than we could be alone.”

Birchwood’s managing director, Pete Parker, said: “It isn’t simply the commercial benefits that appeal to us, it is the opportunity to regularly meet with like-minded business owners in my industry and share experiences, thoughts and ideas and improve our own business as a result.”

Pictured: (L) Daniel Broyd owner of Dinnages and John Matthews business development director at RAA