ATLANTA, February 4, 2020 – With the NADA Show 2020 on the horizon, Autotrader is taking the lead with bold new solutions to improve consumers’ online car-shopping experiences and increase a dealer’s return on investment. As a digital retailing pioneer and one of the most-used third-party car listing sites, Autotrader drives into the new decade prioritizing product innovation and introducing enhancements that make the consumer experience seamless and personalized, ultimately delivering more quality leads and higher profits to dealers.

Autotrader’s newest enhancements focus on providing a more relevant and engaging online experience for car shoppers, while helping dealers take a data-driven, personalized approach toward accomplishing their goals. From implementing a search fueled by a proprietary and data-driven relevancy algorithm, to reducing page load time and improving site navigation, to introducing more helpful tools, content and personalized inventory listings, now shoppers can view the most relevant dealer inventory at a faster, more engaging rate on Autotrader, and dealers can better connect with in-market shoppers both on and off the site.

“I talk with dealers every day about how the car-shopping process is changing as consumers demand a more personalized shopping experience, so for dealers to really be successful in 2020 and beyond, they should adopt a consumer-centric approach,” said Jessica Stafford, senior vice president and general manager, Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. “To help in this process, Autotrader is taking the lead to ensure dealers are equipped to deliver on these evolving consumer expectations. And we are committed to more bold innovation moving forward, reducing friction from the car buying experience and continuing to bridge the gap between consumer and dealer to ensure a transparent, flexible and seamless experience for both sides of the transaction.”

Over the last year, Autotrader has gone through an aggressive transformation to improve its website and products, building a stellar consumer experience and delivering more value for its dealer clients with new advanced solutions. There is a focus on gathering quality, vetted leads to real potential customers, driving higher profits and close rates than Autotrader’s top competitors - an average 71% increase in gross profits per lead than the closest competitor[1]. 

Some Autotrader enhancements slated for 2020 include:

- Innovative Display Solutions:

Increase Offsite Exposure with Advanced Ads – Advanced Ads give dealers additional exposure for their inventory with offsite retargeting display ads served to consumers based on their Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book shopping history, also leveraging these trusted brands in partnership with the dealer’s brand to provide shopper confidence. Shoppers see relevant inventory in these offsite ads that drive additional activity to vehicle detail pages and dealer websites, increasing repeat exposure with highly qualified audiences off the Autotrader website. Available as an add-on to any paid listing package, Advanced Ads offer a lower-cost and targeted offsite media display option, allowing dealers to be in control by setting their spend and targeting, as well as prioritizing which inventory to display.

Target Shoppers Throughout Their Journey with eLot – eLot is a new inventory carousel display unit that features a dealer’s most relevant inventory with exclusive placements on the homepage and other pages within the experience of both Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Targeting real-time shoppers during their valuation process, eLot increases impact and exposure by displaying the most relevant inventory available to the right consumers throughout their shopping journey.

- Optimize Relevant Inventory Display in Real-Time with Adaptive Analytics – The nVision dashboard is an industry-leading tool that uses aggregated proprietary Cox Automotive data to empower dealers with actionable insights to maximize their Autotrader investments. nVision helps dealers improve their business by driving more relevant leads and conversions with detailed insights into important factors like inventory age, pricing, penetration and likelihood to sell. Real-time inventory data drives insights to allow dealers to go beyond just reporting on their past digital investments, helping them to make optimizations to drive the best results.

- Cutting-Edge Listing Enhancements That Deliver Results

Never Miss a Lead with Managed Chat and Text: With managed chat and optimized text capabilities on Autotrader, dealers can ensure they never miss a lead and engage with consumers in the way they want with seamless integration. Shoppers are looking to quickly get the answers they need to help make informed decisions. Adding mobile messaging can increase consumer engagement up to 40%[2]. New features allow consumers to contact dealers directly on Autotrader, around-the-clock, seven days a week, for ultimate flexibility and convenience. The service provides a response with professionally trained agents, including after-hours or when dealers otherwise would be unavailable. Leads are then delivered directly to a dealer’s CRM for easy follow-up. Anticipate the types of information car shoppers want and send it to them on the channel they prefer with this leading improvement in proactive customer service.

Search Listings On Command: Listings on Autotrader are now available through a new voice app for Google Assistant and Alexa to aid shoppers in finding the right vehicle on devices they already are using. More than 111 million people in the U.S. use a voice assistant at least monthly[3]. This is another way Autotrader is giving dealers opportunities to extend the reach of listings, by getting in front of more consumers in more places.

Embrace High-Performance Digital Retailing with Accelerate: Autotrader’s Accelerate My Deal provides the faster digital buying experience consumers want with the control and profitability that dealers need. With Accelerate, dealers can start to pencil deals right from their Autotrader listings online with the flexibility they need to complement their existing dealership process. Seven in 10 consumers say they are more likely to buy from a dealership if they could start the process online[4]. Consumers are happier to begin the process online and reduce the time spent in dealership, and dealers gain a new way to connect with in-market shoppers and ultimately sell more cars.

The 2020 NADA Show will be held February 14-17, 2020, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more about these new products and enhancements, visit Autotrader at the 2020 NADA Convention and Expo, booth # 2536 Central Hall.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, and add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com).

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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New integrations give dealers the connectivity and efficiency necessary to optimize operations

Draper, UT – January 31, 2020 – Dealertrack DMS, a leading provider of cloud-based technology solutions for car dealerships, will unveil a series of new, fully integrated and user-friendly technology solutions and services at the upcoming National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in Las Vegas on Feb. 14-17.

As thousands of dealers assemble for the show, they each share a common goal – to gain new perspectives for cutting complexity across their business and learn about best practices in creating operational excellence to win at retail – and Dealertrack DMS is delivering an answer. Building on its longstanding commitment to put dealers at the center of every business decision and innovation, Dealertrack DMS’ new solutions have been crafted to streamline and centralize some of the most vital and time-intensive aspects of a dealership’s day-to-day operation, from payroll and human resources (HR) to reporting and managed network services.

“While dealers today have access to more information and technology than ever before, the need to toggle between multiple, stand-alone solutions has made obtaining the insight they need to manage and grow their business a significant challenge,” said Mandi Fang, vice president and general manager of Dealertrack DMS. “By bringing more capabilities and processes under one ‘roof,’ Dealertrack DMS gives dealers the integration and simplicity they need to turn data into a competitive advantage in today’s ever-changing automotive retail environment.”

Helping provide dealers with the information and processes paramount to competing today, Dealertrack DMS enhancements include:

- DMS Critical Analytics: As the amount of data across software tools continues to increase, managing a dealership is only becoming more challenging and competitive. However, dealership reporting tools, instead of helping, have often created a bigger burden for dealers, requiring significant time, money and customization to implement and maintain on a daily basis. To address these pain points, Dealertrack DMS is slated to feature a brand-new reporting solution at NADA this year – Critical Analytics.

Eliminating unnecessary complexity and custom report building, the flexible, performance-based tool is integrated directly into Dealertrack DMS and helps managers stay focused on the data that is most important to their position.

With detailed dashboards and reporting modules organized by dealership position and department, dealers can easily filter and group information, track progress against prior-year performance, and prioritize activities that drive the most valuable KPI’s. Additionally, dealers can now automate general ledger account mapping and report information across multiple departments and stores, erasing the need to manually aggregate data through spreadsheets or leverage an additional third-party provider.

- Integrated Payroll and HR Solution: Dealertrack DMS and Hireology are joining forces through an exclusive new partnership to bring dealers a new payroll and HR solution unlike any other in the market today. The new platform, powered by Netchex, is fully integrated with Dealertrack DMS, and enables dealers to streamline their payroll processing, while also now managing all of their HR functions, from employee paid time off to benefits administration and talent management, in one place.

While processing payroll has traditionally been handled through the DMS, dealers have often been required to manage all other HR functions either manually or through separate, non-integrated solutions, resulting in redundant and inefficient processes that can cost time and money and frustrate staff.  As employee turnover continues to be a significant pain point for dealerships – 20% of dealership staff are likely to look for another job in the next six months, according to Cox Automotive’s 2019 Dealership Staffing Study – having one integrated HR system of record will be critical to solving for the extraneous and error-prone processes that have been holding dealers back and taking attention away from engaging the people who make the business run every day.

- Dealertrack DMS Managed Network Services Powered by Proton: It is essential in today’s business world that dealers have a fast and reliable network setup that is both secure and robust enough to handle the substantial technology demands of a dealership, including the DMS. Dealertrack DMS Managed Network Services powered by Proton provides dealers with unlimited 24/7 access to support and expertise in complex IT solutions and cyber security with all the capabilities of an in-house IT department at a fraction of the cost.

For more information about Dealertrack DMS and to schedule a demo at NADA 2020, visit DMSDealertrack.com/DTDMS or visit us at the conference at Booth #2336C.

About Dealertrack

Dealertrack provides industry-leading software solutions that give dealerships, lenders, and partners the confidence to thrive in an ever-changing automotive market. The company’s integrated suite of powerful easy-to-use products and services helps dealerships and their lending partners grow by increasing efficiency and improving decision-making. Dealertrack is part of the Cox Automotive family, a company that is transforming the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars. Dealertrack—along with its unmatched network of dealership and lending partners—is improving the car buying experience by embracing the technologies that will shape the future of automotive retail. For more information about Dealertrack, visit www.dealertrack.com.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

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ATLANTA, January 30, 2020 – Winter weather is in full swing from coast to coast, with wet, snowy and icy roads challenging drivers across the nation. To help shoppers find cars that are both fun and safe to drive during the winter months, the experts at Autotrader named the 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020.

“While there’s no substitute for cautious driving and common sense when it comes to inclement weather, choosing a vehicle with four-wheel or all-wheel drive can also make a world of difference in both safety and performance,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “If you live in a place where winter regularly wreaks havoc on the roads, it’s definitely worth considering all-wheel drive in your next new-car choice for that reassuring extra traction.”

The Autotrader editors recently compiled a list of some of the most-searched cars, trucks and SUVs available with four- or all-wheel drive, and then used their collective wisdom and expert opinions to narrow down the decidedly subjective determination of which are the coolest. Whether drivers are going on an off-road winter excursion or just interested in a safer commute, below are Autotrader’s 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020 (listed in alphabetical order).

Autotrader’s 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020

For more details and information about Autotrader’s 10 Coolest Cars for Winter 2020, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/10-coolest-cars-winter-2020-281474979988546.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, and add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com).

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com. 

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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Industry-leading solution powered by Netchex with superior functionality and end-to-end integration addresses dealers' hiring, payroll and compliance pain points

CHICAGO and DRAPER, Utah, Jan. 23, 2020 -- Hireology, the leading recruitment CRM for multi-location, decentralized enterprises, and Dealertrack, the leading provider of integrated dealership technologies, announced a new partnership that provides automotive dealers a fully-featured, integrated payroll and human resource solution.

The exclusive partnership will help mitigate the redundant, and error prone processes that often come when dealers use multiple disconnected and stand-alone solutions that, over time, create frustration and inefficiency for auto dealership staff.

"As dealers face more challenges to finding top talent, it will be even more important to have technology in place to keep new employees engaged and serve as one central point of record for their journey throughout the company," said Adam Robinson, CEO of Hireology. "By partnering with Dealertrack, Hireology furthers our commitment to making the day-to-day hiring, payroll and HR administration processes for auto dealers more streamlined and accurate, while also making more time for HR staff to focus on what matters the most—their people."

Key features of the systems integration include:

- Automatic transfer of new hire data, kicking off onboarding and payroll processes

- Management of paid time off requests and accruals, performance reviews, job summaries and more, eliminating the need to track these manually or in separate systems

- One payroll system of record for all HR information and real-time automatic posting to the DMS General Ledger

- Sales commissions, tech time and employee receivables integration

"Together, Hireology and Dealertrack DMS combine all a dealer's HR needs including hiring, time and attendance, payroll processing and reporting, benefits administration, and talent management into one platform," added Mandi Fang, vice president and general manager of Dealertrack DMS. "The integrated solution is easy to implement and significantly reduces the ongoing administrative effort of managing multiple third-party providers."

Hireology and Dealertrack will preview the integrated payroll solution powered by Netchex at NADA 2020, in Las Vegas, February 14-17, 2020.

About Dealertrack

Dealertrack is the leading provider of integrated dealership technologies. From best-in-class Sales and F&I software that improves the customer experience to a Dealer Management System that boosts employee productivity, Dealertrack is committed to the growth and success of your business. Our products empower dealerships to make better choices about how to run their businesses and promote better customer vision, giving dealerships a cross-product view of each customer. With more freedom and better vision, our dealerships can provide a better buying, borrowing, and service experience within a changing automotive world. For more information, visit us.dealertrack.com.

About Hireology

Hireology's recruitment CRM empowers multi-location, decentralized enterprises and independently owned businesses to build their best teams with confidence. The company equips HR and business leaders with the skills and technology needed to manage the full employee lifecycle – from hire to retire – in one seamless platform. With focused expertise across several industries – including retail automotive, healthcare and professional and consumer services – more than 7,500 businesses today trust Hireology to help build great teams, lift customer service and drive profitability. For more information, visit www.hireology.com.

ATLANTA (January 23, 2020) – Manheim rang in the New Year with two new general manager selections in the East and West Regions. Tom Rastelli has been named general manager of Manheim Albany, and John Duplanty takes over leadership of Manheim Portland. Both leaders will be responsible for driving future region growth, building strong client relationships and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Rastelli joined the company in 1999 as a condition report writer. Since then, he has held numerous leadership positions, including dealer services manager, assistant general manager, and most recently, general manager of Manheim Portland. He is currently completing his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Ashford University.

Duplanty began his career with Manheim in 2004 as an intern while attending Arizona State University. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Duplanty entered the company’s management training program at Manheim Tampa. Over the years, he has held various roles with increasing responsibilities in Florida, New York and Arizona. Most recently, he was general manager of Manheim Tucson. Going forward, Manheim Tucson will be a part of the Manheim Arizona Market Center, reporting to Manheim Phoenix General Manager JD Daniels.

“Tom and John exemplify Manheim’s commitment to a culture that encourages learning and development to drive better results for the business and clients,” said Manheim Division Vice President Alan Lang. “Tom and John have each served in roles of increasing responsibility over the years, developing the skills needed to navigate successfully in our dynamic industry.” 

About Manheim

Manheim® is North America's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With its omni-channel approach, Manheim Marketplace enables wholesale vehicle clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Approximately 17,000 team members help Manheim offer 7 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $61 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

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IRVINE, Calif., January 21, 2020 – Many new-car buyers have heard the common expression, “penny-wise and pound-foolish.” As it relates to new-car shopping, you can save money buying a less expensive new car, but later find out it depreciates faster than a similar, more expensive car that holds its value better. The money you save on a new-car purchase can be more than made up for by the greater depreciation five years later. Understanding what a vehicle will be worth when going to sell or trade it in can make the difference of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run. To help new-car buyers shop smart, Kelley Blue Book today announces the 2020 model-year brand, category and top 10 winners of the annual Best Resale Value Awards, recognizing vehicles for their projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period.

“Kelley Blue Book’s analysts are impressed at the residual values of our Best Resale Value: Brand winners, Subaru and Porsche, and new-car shoppers would be wise to consider a vehicle from one of those two brands to get the most bang for their buck in the long term,” said Eric Ibara, director of residual values for Kelley Blue Book. “Once again, this year’s Top 10 models are dominated by trucks, except for the all-new and much-hyped 2020 Chevrolet Corvette appearing on this year’s list. Without the imminent prospect of significantly higher gas prices, the used-car demand for trucks continues to be an ongoing, multi-year trend, directly impacting new cars.”

This year marks the fourth Best Resale Value: Brand win for Subaru, which previously won the same honors in 2011, 2015 and 2016. For 2020, Porsche celebrates its fourth consecutive win as Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand.

(Residual values used for award calculations are based on the 2020 model-year vehicles that appear in the January/February 2020 Kelley Blue Bookâ Residual Value Guide. Top 10 models appear in alphabetical order.)

Many new-car buyers do not realize that depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership. An average 2020 model-year vehicle will only retain about 37% of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning that a $35,000 new car today will only be worth somewhere close to $12,950 after five years. In comparison, all vehicles in Kelley Blue Book’s Top 10 for Best Resale Value are projected to retain more than 50% of their MSRP. This year’s top model, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, is expected to be worth 61% of its MSRP after five years.

Resale value for new vehicles can vary greatly. Vehicles with average or below-average resale values generally are plentiful in the marketplace and easy to find, but certain vehicles are projected to hold their value better than others. While much of a vehicle’s resale value is based on supply and demand, as well as current and projected future market conditions, vehicles that retain their value best typically are discounted the least and tend to generate high levels of consumer interest.

Now in its 18th year, Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide. Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values are established by experienced automotive analysts that review the output from statistical models built upon millions of transactions. Vehicles that earn the highest five-year residual values, expressed as a percentage of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), are selected for these prestigious awards. Low-volume vehicles are excluded from award consideration, except in the electric, luxury and sports car categories.

Residual values reflect projected future auction values for vehicles in average condition with 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period. Kelley Blue Book’s residual values are used by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions and the automotive leasing industry. For more information about Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards, visit https://www.kbb.com/articles/best-cars/2020-best-resale-value-awards-top-cars-trucks-and-suvs/.

To discuss this topic, or any other automotive-related information, with a Kelley Blue Book analyst on-camera via the company’s on-site studio, please contact a member of the Public Relations team to schedule an interview.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com).

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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New audio and video tags plus interior 360 imaging – an industry first – give dealers greater confidence when buying digitally.

ATLANTA – January 16, 2020 – Manheim is bringing new life to Manheim Express listings by adding audio and video tags, as well as a wholesale industry first: interior 360 imaging. Now, dealers interested in buying wholesale inventory online can have the utmost confidence in their purchases by being able to hear the sound of an engine—and see more than ever before. These dynamic listings, which dealers can find in the Manheim Express app or on the Manheim.com and OVE, bring listings closer to an in-person look, enabling dealers to digitally kick the tires and make even more informed digital purchases.

“Dealers want as much condition information as possible before they buy, and these features combine to give them more insight than ever before,” said Derek Hansen, vice president of offsite solutions at Manheim. “Between the industry leading exterior 360 technology, moveable images and now A/V tags and interior 360s, Manheim Express offers the best multimedia capabilities of any wholesale app, so dealers can buy online with confidence.”

Audio and video tags bring the sound of vehicles to life—enabling buyers to get a fuller understanding of the engine’s condition. With these tags, dealers can see engine vibrations, more easily assess the engine condition and hear how it purrs (or doesn’t). These key pieces of information can help them determine the potential level of reconditioning needed, as well as influence purchase price.

“A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but audio/video files are even better. Potential buyers can see—and hear—for themselves and make even more informed purchasing decisions,” Hansen added.

Interior 360s bring the best-in-class Fyusion technology clients love for vehicle exteriors inside the vehicle. Now, there will be no question of what interior features are present or the condition of the seats, dash and more.

All of this exciting new functionality adds to the already robust multimedia capabilities in the Manheim Express app, where listings feature exterior 360s, a standard set of high resolution still images, as well as moveable images to show depths of dents and dings.

The audio and video tags, as well as the interior 360s, will be available on all listings completed by a Manheim Express Concierge specialist, where a highly trained expert does all of the listing legwork and consults on wholesale strategy—all for no additional cost. Sellers can request Concierge service through the app.

Since launching nationwide in July 2018, Manheim Express has quickly become the fastest growing mobile app in the wholesale industry. More than 70,000 users across approximately 18,000 dealerships have downloaded Manheim Express, and from January to December 2019, the app generated a ten-fold growth in monthly transactions.

To see this new functionality in action, watch this video. And for more information on the Manheim Express app visit ManheimExpress.com.

About Manheim (www.manheim.com)
Manheim® is North America's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With its omni-channel approach, Manheim Marketplace enables wholesale vehicle clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Approximately 17,000 team members help Manheim offer 7 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $61 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

Auction Delivers a Safer, More Efficient Experience for Customers, Employees and the Environment

ATLANTA – (January 14, 2020) – Manheim launched its largest all-digital heavy truck auction on January 8 at its Indianapolis, Indiana, location; a move that further supports the company’s growing investment in Digital Blocks. The sale included more than 350 units and 387 online and in-lane bidders.  Manheim Indianapolis is part of the company’s all-digital Specialty Auctions that include RVs and motorcycles as well as trucks.

“Our biweekly truck sale is Manheim’s largest heavy truck auction nationwide.  It includes Class 4-8 commercial trucks, tractor trailers and other equipment,” explained Emily Decker, general manager for Manheim Indianapolis and Manheim Cincinnati. “Moving to a Digital Block format offers a safer and more efficient experience for our clients and employees, as well as significant environmental savings.”

The three-lane format is a live auction where the trucks remain parked in designated spots and are offered for sale digitally by an auctioneer via oversized monitors featuring enhanced images, barcode price scanning capability and condition report information. Manheim calculates that the switch to an all-digital format – versus driving trucks through physical lanes – will offset an estimated 284 tons of carbon dioxide each year, an amount equal to the annual electricity use of 45 homes.

“Safety always comes first,” said Paul Seger, executive vice president, asset remarketing for Element Fleet Management Remarketing and longtime Manheim partner. “Going digital for the sale of our heavy truck assets not only instills safety, but also improves efficiency and establishes consistency for our truck buyers nationwide. Because so many of them are already comfortable with Manheim’s Simulcast online bidding platform, we feel this transition to all digital will be very well received.”

Manheim’s digital journey marked several milestones in 2019, with Manheim Tucson becoming the first location to convert all lanes to Digital Blocks and its digital wholesale channels surpassing two million transactions. Digital Blocks now comprise 20% of the lanes at physical locations nationwide.

“As we celebrate 75 years of providing wholesale solutions for dealer and commercial clients, we are excited about expanding our digital marketplace to achieve greater efficiency, improve the experience for clients and foster a culture of safety,” said Grace Huang, president of Manheim. 

For more information, visit Manheim’s Specialty Auctions.  

About Manheim

Manheim® is North America's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With its omni-channel approach, Manheim Marketplace enables wholesale vehicle clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Approximately 17,000 team members help Manheim offer 7 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $61 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

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ATLANTA, January 8, 2020 – The auto industry has seen drastic shifts in product offerings over the last decade, ranging from the rise in alternative-fuel options to updated infotainment systems, advanced safety technology standards, and all-new, innovative vehicle segments. As we look to 2020, the editors at Autotrader highlight the vehicles that made the most impact over the past 10 years.

“Over the past decade, technological advancements and changing consumer preferences forced automakers to adapt their lineups to introduce all-new and revamped vehicles,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “Ranging from electric powertrains and ultramodern designs, to newly remodeled classics, all of these vehicles pioneered their segments and defined the last 10 years in the auto industry.”

15 Best Cars of the Past Decade

Tesla Model S

Taking the world by storm at the beginning of the decade as the first viable mass-market electric luxury car, consumers quickly relied on the Model S for everything from running around-town errands to road-trip duty. A big perk is Tesla’s Autopilot feature; while it isn’t a fully self-driving system, it is among the most advanced autonomous technologies in the industry.

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf was the first affordable electric car to target the masses. Coming in a convenient compact hatchback body style that made it more practical than most EVs that preceded it, the Leaf set the standard for economical electric vehicles, and the rest of the industry soon would follow suit.

Toyota Prius

As the hybrid-electric segment was growing quickly, the Prius faced new competition and therefore needed to deliver improvements. The third-generation Prius was more aerodynamic than the previous model and included a bigger engine and rear disc brakes.

Acura NSX

After years of teasers, concepts and anticipation, Acura finally released the second-generation NSX for the 2017 model year with a price tag that is hardly as relevant to everyday buyers as the other vehicles on this list. The NSX's performance delivers with impeccable handling from its sophisticated AWD system and a combined output coming in at 573 horsepower, which translates to a 0-to-60 mph time of just 3.0 seconds flat and a top speed of 191 mph.

Mazda Miata

After the Miata made its debut in the 1990 model year, Mazda has stuck to the same general winning formula throughout the years. The fourth-generation Miata still offers the same driving experience as the original, albeit in a much more refined and polished package. No other vehicle will put a smile on your face quite like the Miata.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 perfectly represented the changing tides of Americans’ automotive preferences when it took over as the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2017. With a spacious cabin, good cargo volume, great efficiency and industry-leading reliability, it doesn’t appear that the RAV4 will have its crown stolen anytime soon.

Genesis

Today Genesis is a full-fledged luxury nameplate with entrants in the compact, midsize and full-size segments. With potent powertrains, refined cabins, great performance and the best warranties in the industry, the Genesis brand deserves a spot on the shopping list of any luxury buyer.

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride arguably is the best execution of the 3-row crossover formula, featuring an extremely attractive, chiseled, boxy design that undoubtedly appeals to moms and dads who grew up with SUVs in the 1980s and 1990s. When it comes to the family crossover segment, the Telluride stands firmly above the competition.

Ford Mustang

The sixth-generation Mustang, which was released in the 2015 model year, is downright impressive.

There's also an all-new 4-cylinder model that offers impressive power and efficiency, turning the Mustang from a snarling muscle car to a fun, lightweight autocross champ. To finish off the decade, Ford introduced the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, signaling an extension of the Mustang brand into an entirely new and different segment. Needless to say, now there is a Mustang for just about anyone.

Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford took a big risk when it introduced the Raptor 10 years ago, and the competition has yet to catch up, leaving it without a bona fide rival to this day. Heading into the new decade, Ford is rumored to be releasing a Raptor powered by the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 found in the new Mustang GT500. (As if this thing wasn't already crazy enough!)

Porsche Macan

Porsche’s baby SUV, the compact Macan, debuted in the U.S. as a 2015 model and quickly became the most popular vehicle in the company’s lineup. Offering a variety of potent engines and endless customization options, the Macan may not be shaped like a traditional Porsche, but sit behind the wheel and one thing becomes clear: It’s a real Porsche.

Chrysler Pacifica

The Pacifica adds a bit of luxury that’s missing in the other, more traditional minivan offerings. It presents loads of family-friendly features, including clever seating that folds flat into the cargo floor, all at a great value. 

Jeep Gladiator

Until this past year, Jeep hadn’t offered a pickup truck since the discontinuation of the Comanche in the 1990s. This all changed in 2019 when the company introduced the all-new Gladiator, based heavily on the JL Wrangler. Like the Wrangler, the Gladiator offers removable doors, and your choice of either a canvas soft top or a plastic composite hardtop, both of which also are removable. Just like there's no other SUV like the Wrangler, there's no other pickup like the Gladiator.

Volvo XC90

The redesigned XC90 3-row SUV debuted in the 2015 model year and is the perfect example of a modern vehicle primed for the future. It has a range of turbocharged, supercharged and electrified 4-cylinder engines and offers good efficiency, a modern, minimalist interior, loads of connectivity and safety features, and unique Scandinavian elements like an available wool interior.

Dodge Hellcats

In lieu of redesign, Dodge has taken to introducing massively powerful versions of its two RWD cars under its Hellcat sub-brand, all of which pack a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 producing a whopping 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Does anyone need all that power? Absolutely not, but the sheer ridiculousness of the Hellcat-badged Dodge models is how the brand managed to stay relevant through the 2010s.

To learn more about the 15 Best Cars of the Past Decade from Autotrader, including photos, detailed vehicle information and available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/15-best-cars-decade-281474979980765.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, and add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com).

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.  

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling and owning cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

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Kichler to Lead the Transformation of Manheim’s Logistics as the Company Accelerates Its Transition to Digital

ATLANTA, Ga. (Jan 7, 2020) – Manheim has named Joe Kichler to vice president of Manheim Logistics where he will be responsible for overseeing business strategy and operations for the company’s leading logistics brands. Together Ready Logistics, a full-service transportation service, and Central Dispatch, a self-managed transportation solution, offer clients a range of transportation services that help them move vehicles more efficiently.   

In this role, Kichler’s key focus areas will include strengthening strategic relationships with carriers, improving on-time delivery for shippers and positioning the operation for future growth. In addition, he will lead Manheim Logistics’ transformation, aimed at addressing the shortage of transport drivers, enhancing safety and efficiencies for clients and preparing the organization for a fast-growing digital future.  Kichler reports to Grace Huang, president of Manheim.

“As we accelerate our digital strategy, Joe and his team will play an integral role in leading the transformation of our logistics business and technology,” said Huang. “His engaging leadership style, commitment to operational excellence and passion for delivering world-class service will contribute to a better logistics experience for our clients, auction partners and team members.”

Kichler joined Manheim in 2012 as vice president of Operational Excellence where he oversaw the design of new auction processes and client experiences while also leading Enterprise Portfolio Management and Operational Analytics functions. Most recently, he served as vice president of Group Strategy, responsible for strategic planning for Manheim and the Retail Solutions groups, which consists of Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Dealertrack. Previously, Kichler held business strategy and management consulting positions with Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group.

Kichler holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, with highest honors, from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

About Manheim
Manheim® is North America's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With its omni-channel approach, Manheim Marketplace enables wholesale vehicle clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Approximately 17,000 team members help Manheim offer 7 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $61 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.