In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Cox Automotive Canada and KAR Global are transitioning to Simulcast-only sales. Maria Soklis, President of Cox Automotive Canada issued a statement advising that Manheim’s live auctions will be suspended until further notice. “As such, we will be temporarily hosting all in-lane auctions across Canada via Simulcast,” she said, adding that the company is also “encouraging Canadians to leverage our online digital auction platform, MUVIT.”
KAR Global also announced the transition to Simulcast-only sales effective immediately at all U.S. and Canada ADESA auction locations. Their Simulcast Success Fees for sellers and buyers will be waived from now until April 3, 2020. “We are strongly encouraging commercial and dealer representatives to use ADESA Simulcast Remote Seller capabilities during this time,” the company said in a recent press release.
Both companies expressed their commitment to minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 through the immediate transition to Simulcast-only sales. “These actions are grounded in our commitment to always do the right thing for our employees, company and communities and are effective immediately throughout the month of March,” Soklis said.
The online transition for KAR Global is also taking place effective immediately at all U.S. and Canada ADESA auction locations. The company says all sales will continue to run at regularly scheduled times, although there will be a number of other process changes:
- Vehicles will no longer run through lanes
- On sale days auctions will open for regular business including title and payment processing outside of sale hours
- Dealers will not be allowed on the premises during sale hours
- Dealers may preview vehicles onsite up to and including on sale day but will not be permitted inside ADESA locations during sale hours.
The company notes that it’s websites ADESA.com, ADESA.ca, as well as it’s ADESA Marketplace app, TradeRev, and private label websites for franchise dealers will continue to operate as normal.
The move to a digital-only selling platform allows both Cox Automotive Canada and KAR Global to operate within recommendations by national, regional and local health agencies in North America and Europe and supports efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“We are strongly encouraging commercial and dealer representatives to use ADESA Simulcast Remote Seller capabilities during this time,” KAR Global said in a recent press release. “We are prepared to provide solutions to meet our customers’ remarketing needs including our digital marketplaces — always safe, convenient and effective alternatives to in-person sales.”
