ATLANTA — Manheim and BMW Financial Services partnered to conduct the companies’ first-ever open ‘digital block sale’ for dealers on Nov. 14. The unique sales experience enabled dealer participants onsite and digitally to view and bid on 174 premium vehicles via Simulcast from BMW’s Performance Center in Thermal, Calif. Roughly 74% of the units — sourced from Manheim Riverside, Manheim San Francisco and Manheim Nevada — were sold.

“Delivering new and innovative ways to offer quality pre-owned inventory to our dealers is a top priority for us,” said Patrick Clark, general manager of sales channel development for BMW Financial Services. “Dealers told us how much they enjoyed the flexible sale environment and wide selection of BMW vehicles.” 

The open digital block sale was attended in person by a dozen dealers, including one who purchased 16 vehicles. In addition, 129 clients participated digitally including some from as far away as New York, Texas and Washington. At one time, there were as many as 85 participants using Simulcast.

During the event, a live auctioneer described vehicles as they appeared on a large screen and took bids from participants. Although vehicles did not run down the lanes, critical information — such as condition reports, high-quality images and vehicle grades — was available to help dealers buy with confidence. This type of sale saved clients time and money, as they bid digitally, previewed cars without traveling to an auction and arranged to have vehicles delivered to their places of business.

“We value our close working relationship with BMW Financial Services,” said Mark Davidson, senior national account director, Cox Automotive. “Because of BMW’s relentless commitment to innovation, together we’ve delivered many programs that benefit our companies and mutual dealers.”

Responding to client demands for efficiency and convenience, today over half of Manheim’s physical sale attendance occurs via Simulcast. And this year alone, Manheim expects 215,000 vehicles will be sold outside of its physical auction facilities through its digital and mobile platforms.