Manheim Auctions has hired Tom Webb, one of the industry's most experienced economists, to help provide insight into the used car market for the automotive industry, as well as strategic direction for the company.

"Tom Webb has more than 26 years of experience analyzing the automotive industry and over the years has become one of the most well-respected and trusted analysts in the business," said Dennis Berry, Manheim president and CEO. "We are very fortunate to have someone of Tom's stature join our team."

As executive director of industry analysis and chief economist, Webb's role at Manheim will be twofold, according to Berry. He will serve as a resource for the industry, providing analysis of used car market activity based on data provided by Manheim's 86 North American auctions, as well as industry-wide research. Webb will also assist with strategic planning for the comnpany, analyzing customer input to help shape company direction.

Among his duties at Manheim, Webb will be responsible for continuing the annual Used Car Market Report, a compendium of industry insight and observations that was begun by ADT Automotive in 1996. He will also provide analysis at Manheim's semi-annual Client Advisory Councils and will author Manheim's "Industry Insight," a quarterly review of industry trends.

"Manheim's purchase of ADT Automotive allows us to expand a number of services that ADT offered, and one of those we are most excited about is ADT's role as a provider of industry information," Berry said. "By bringing Tom Webb on to head up this effort, Manheim will truly take this role to a new level."