The first four actions at Bruntingthorpe, held during its opening week (September 25-29), saw a "record number of sales" and attracted more than 1,400 visitors.

More than 1,650 vehicles were sold across the week from twelve vendors.

A 100% sale conversion took place during the inaugural BMW Group auction on Monday, with 498 vehicles sold.

Cox Automotive’s managing director of inventory solutions Tim Hudson (pictured) said: “The launch of Manheim Bruntingthorpe was a phenomenal success and everybody involved embraced the new centre with enthusiasm and positivity. 

“Manheim Bruntingthorpe represents one of the most innovative and technologically advanced auction centres in the UK and we are very proud that it exceeded expectations in its first week, delivering a fantastic experience and great results for vendors and buyers alike.”

In addition to the unveiling of Bruntingthorpe’s new facilities, Manheim also showcased the UK’s first double-blocking auction at the site on  September 27, with more than 640 cars sold during the day.

Motorpoint’s head buyer Dean Walker attended the double blocking auction. He said: “Any doubts held by vendors or buyers about double blocking have been cast aside.

“The pace of sale allowed us to view several cars simultaneously, and we had great success. The Manheim Bruntingthorpe auction centre is a great asset to the industry and we look forward to attending further auctions at the site.”

Hudson said: “We’re very pleased with the reaction and feedback we have received from the industry so far, regarding both the site’s new facilities and the double blocking auction.

“Following the success of Manheim Bruntingthorpe, we look forward to developing further innovations, both in-lane and online, that will create greater opportunities for our customers to sell more vehicles, more quickly and more profitably.”

The launch of Bruntingthorpe also saw Manheim donate more than £5000 to automotive charity Ben, the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing life-changing care and support services to people working in the automotive industry.