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Are you prepared?
Active Threat Preparedness Plan PAGE 6
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL AUTO AUCTION ASSOCIATION
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IN THIS ISSUE ON THE BLOCK MAGAZINE
VOL. 7 NO. 4
On the Cover: On May 9, 2019, NAAA President Laura Taylor and Vice President Julie Picard taking a helicopter tour of Charleston, SC for the purpose of filming a segment for the NAAA Annual Convention promotional video.
Departments
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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL AUTO AUCTION ASSOCIATION
President’s Message
A reflection of the selfless commitment of NAAA members, resiliency, dedication and hard work as NAAA President Laura Taylor bids a warm farewell of gratitude and appreciation for a wonderful and memorable presidency year.
Safety First
Are you prepared at your auction? An easy and comprehensive Active Threat Preparedness Plan is a recommended procedure and guideline for protecting employees and others. And Mike Roy provides some options for keeping your spirits high at work and when you are working from home.
read us online
www.naaa.com • www.niada.com Click on ads to link directly to their websites.
previous issues
Association News
An overdue facelift at NAAA headquarters provides enhanced organization and adjustments to new technology.
Presidential Transition Day (October 8)
It’s going to be different—and the first time in the Association’s history to pass the presidential gavel and responsibility online—as NAAA welcomes new 2021 President Julie Picard.
July 2020
March 2020
January 2020
November 2019
Auction News
Manheim’s LotVision tracking technology provides speed and ease for dealers and transporters; Simulcast+ aids ADESA sale hosting in 19 U.S. states to sell Hertz vehicles; the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Sale of DAA Northwest continues the fun online; its ”Onward and Upward“ for Louisiana’s 1st Choice as it makes pandemic adjustments that become the new normal for auction sales.
On the Block Wants To Hear From You. Tell Us What You Think! On the Block encourages its readers to send comments, opinions and suggestions about the publication.
Letters can be emailed to naaa@naaa.com. Include your full name, address and phone number. We may be unable to publish some submissions and may edit submissions for length and clarity. This is a great opportunity to hear back from our readers on what you think about the articles and what topics you would like to see covered in future issues.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK |
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Some Things Worth Remembering from a Year to Forget
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e’ve all heard the old curse “May you live in interesting times,” and that certainly applies to 2020. This is a year people will remember but would like to forget. Yet it has been a memorable one for me, serving as your president, although admittedly not exactly how I expected it would be when I took the gavel last fall.
Forever emblazoned on my memory of my term is how I witnessed, again and again, the selfless commitment of our members coming together as a team to help their colleagues during this public health emergency, and the willingness of the association to adapt rapidly to meet the changing needs of the membership. I will also always swell with pride when recalling the support NAAA provided our industry to assist in adjusting to the challenges the coronavirus brought to our businesses and our personal lives — particularly our Safety Committee’s quick work to produce the 18-page “Auction Start-Up Playbook” as a guide for safeguarding auction staff, customers, and their families when resuming operations during the pandemic.
NAAA President
Some other unforgettable actions taken by NAAA in response to the public health crisis include: • Conducting a weekly call with industry leaders of ADESA, Manheim, and the Independent Auction Group to brief each other on events or actions within the organizations and their regions, formulate plans and share best practices for proactive measures. • Unanimous voting by NAAA’s Executive Committee, chapter presidents and IAG leadership to defer dues and move up the annual dividend distribution that relieved a total of $1.435 million in financial commitments from our members. • Hosting a teleconference meeting with R. Gregg White of the U.S. Small Business Administration about the federal government’s relief package and other COVID-related aid programs. • Dedicating NAAA’s homepage of its website as a resource center, providing up-to-date information to help keep our members informed about the latest developments in the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic, especially as it related to our industry. And if coping with COVID wasn’t enough to keep my team busy, I’ve been working with the Safety Committee over the year on one item on my original agenda when I took office — education and training for protecting auctions from a violent situation in the workplace. I’m proud to say that in this issue and on the NAAA website, you will find NAAA’s “Active Threat Preparedness Plan” as the first step in this crucial safety initiative. I want to express my deepest appreciation and warmest gratitude to all those whose dedication, hard work, strength and resiliency, have made my year as president in this very interesting time one I will always remember. Stay safe and be well.
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SAFETY FIRST
Active Threat Preparedness Plan Helping you make your auction a safe place to work and conduct business by reducing the risk of accidents and, most recently, infectious disease, has been a top priority for the National Auto Auction Association. Now we want to expand on those efforts and take safety to the next level: education and training for the “unthinkable” — workplace violence. NAAA is providing this Active Threat Preparedness Guide to serve as a resource for developing a proactive plan that can assist your auction staff in recognizing and reacting to the potential of a violent situation. We encourage you to use this to instruct your employees on the recommended procedures for protecting themselves and others in the case of an active threat. We will be hosting and recording a webinar on the subject that will be available to aid our members in creating a secure environment at their auctions.
Purpose and Objectives A priority of the National Auto Auction Association is to assist member auctions in providing a safe workplace for employees, customers, and guests. The Active Threat Preparedness Plan will assist auction members with a training guide to educate staff in preparing for potential risks in the workplace. Active Threat training is to provide staff education and planning for: • The events leading up to and during an active threat (what to look for) • How to react during an active threat/shooting • Communication of any suspicious or unusual activity The goal is to Be Alert, Not Alarmed
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DISCLAIMER This Active Threat Preparedness Plan (the Plan) is a collaborative effort of the members of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA). The NAAA thanks them for their extensive work on the Plan and for their willingness to share it with all of NAAA’s members. The Plan is to assist you and your employees plan for, recognize and react to events leading up to and during an active threat. The information provided in these materials may help save lives if an active threat occurs in the workspace. Appropriate education of your workforce and planning (including actual practice role-playing) can help you and your staff comprehend what they should look for and the alternative options for response in an active threat event. The Plan is provided to you for general information purposes and not intended to be taken as legal advice on any particular matter. Any opinions and legal positions asserted in the Plan are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NAAA or its counsel. Because unique circumstances may prompt an active threat, do not act or refrain from acting solely on the contents of this Plan, but consult with professionals and law enforcement in your area to enhance you and your employees’ readiness to respond to such emergency circumstances. For additional information, please consult the Department of Homeland Security active shooter preparedness page https://www.cisa.gov/ active-shooter-preparedness. Local law enforcement in your area also may provide readiness training on location. (Continued on page 7) www.naaa.com
SAFETY FIRST
Active Threat Preparedness Plan
(Continued)
What is an Active Threat? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defines an Active Threat or Shooter as an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined space or other populated areas. Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable and evolve quickly. In the midst of the chaos, anyone can play an integral role in mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident.
• In most cases, offenders use firearms, and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims • An active threat/shooter could be anyone, from a stranger to a current or former employee • If you see something peculiar or out of the ordinary, SAY SOMETHING • Being aware of behavioral or attitude changes could prevent an attack
Active Threat Prevention — SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING Increase your situational awareness • Alert your Human Resources or Security Department if you see something alarming or out of the ordinary for your work environment. • Report a person without proper identification on your business premise. • Be alert for someone on-premises that looks out of place: – A person who is not wearing a required safety vest – Someone who is acting suspiciously and/or wandering around the premises – An unauthorized person or someone you don’t recognize www.naaa.com
• Take notice of unattended or dropped-off packages or bags in common areas (e.g., lobby, bathrooms, elevators, etc.) • Be aware of the presence of a firearm or other weapon on an individual
Remember to trust your instincts– if it doesn’t feel right, report it!
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SAFETY FIRST
Active Threat Preparedness Plan
(Continued)
Active Threat Prevention
Recognizing Potential Workplace Violence An active threat could be a current or former employee or an acquaintance of a current or former employee. It’s important to stay vigilant and report characteristics of potentially violent behavior to Human Resources or your Security Department. Potentially violent behaviors may include one or more of the following: (this list is not comprehensive, nor is it intended as a mechanism for diagnosing violent tendencies) • Increased use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs • Unexplained increase in absenteeism; vague physical complaints • Noticeable decrease in attention to appearance and hygiene • Depression and/or withdrawal • Resistance and overreaction to changes in policy and procedures • Repeated violations or resistance of company policies • Increased severe mood swings • Noticeably unstable, emotional responses
Awareness RUN HIDE FIGHT In any active threat consider all options: Run, Hide, or Fight Awareness is the key component in making that decision and preparing yourself for an incident.
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• Explosive outbursts of anger or rage without provocation • Suicidal; comments about “putting things in order.” • Behavior that is suspect of paranoia, (“everybody is against me”) • Increasingly talks of problems at home • Escalation of domestic issues into the workplace; discussion of severe financial problems • Talk of previous incidents of violence • Empathy with individuals committing violence • Increase in unsolicited comments about firearms, other dangerous weapons, and violent crimes
Knowledge points and questions to prepare you: • Be knowledgeable of your nearest exits and where they lead • Can you get out of the building or lot from where you’re located? • Do you know more than one exit and their locations? • Are you near a safe hiding place that is out of harm’s way? • Can you hear in your surroundings? – Keep headphones at a low volume so you can hear unusual noises around you • What’s going on around you? – Use your senses to stay alert and aware of your area • You must quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life (Continued on page 9) www.naaa.com
SAFETY FIRST
Active Threat Preparedness Plan
RUN
(Continued)
HIDE FIGHT
RUN should always be your first option if the opportunity exists. If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to: • Have an escape route and plan in mind—know the fastest way out • Leave your belongings behind • Evacuate the area regardless of whether others agree to follow • Get as far away as possible • Help others escape, if possible—but don’t stop to convince them • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
RUN
HIDE
• Keep your hands visible, arms raised and fingers spread • Follow the instructions of any police officers • Do not attempt to move wounded people • Don’t stop running until you feel safe—THEN call 911 • Scatter apart from others, rather than congregate • Don’t be an easy target
FIGHT
HIDE if evacuation is not possible. Find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you and barricade entry points. Hiding should only be temporary until it is safe to run. Always be prepared to evacuate when safe to do so. (Traditional lockdown taught in schools was not meant for active shootings and should NOT be the first choice during a drill or an actual event.)
Your hiding place should: – Be out of the active shooter’s view – Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (e.g., an office with a closed and locked door) – Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
If the active shooter is nearby: – Lock the door – Silence your cell phone and or pager – Turn off any source of noise (e.g., radios, TVs) – Remain quiet
To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place: – Lock the door or put a wedge under the door (you can use an open stapler and slide it under the door) – Blockade the door with heavy furniture – Secure the door handle with rope or a cable from a computer, mouse or charger
If evacuation and hiding are not possible: – Remain calm – Dial 911 if possible to alert police to active shooter’s location – If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
www.naaa.com
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SAFETY FIRST
Active Threat Preparedness Plan
RUN HIDE
(Continued)
FIGHT FIGHT as a LAST RESORT and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disarm or injure the attacker.
Vulnerable Points of Contact
• Act as aggressively as possible against him/her • Commit to your actions—use whatever means necessary to save your life • Yell at the attacker to startle him/her • Throw objects to distract or knock the attacker unconscious • Common items that can be used on the attacker: – Chair, stapler, water bottle, fire extinguisher, tape dispenser, tools, etc. • The image on the right shows the most effective body parts to hit • If you can run, run as fast and as far as you can • Once you are safe, call 911
How to Respond When Law Enforcement Arrives Law enforcement’s purpose is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible. Officers will proceed directly to the area where shots were last heard. • Officers usually arrive in teams of four (4) • Officers may wear regular patrol uniforms or external bulletproof vests, Kevlar helmets, and other tactical equipment • Officers may come armed with rifles, shotguns, and handguns • Officers may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation • Officers may shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety (Continued on page 11)
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www.naaa.com
SAFETY FIRST
Active Threat Preparedness Plan
(Continued)
How to React When Law Enforcement Arrives • Remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions • Put down any items in your hands (e.g., bags, jackets, etc.) • Immediately raise hands and spread fingers • Keep hands visible at all times • Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety • Avoid pointing, screaming and or yelling • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating, proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises
Information to Provide to Law Enforcement or 911 Operator Once you can call 911 or emergency services, dispatch will ask you to provide them with more details regarding the attack and perpetrator. • Location of the active shooter(s) • Number of shooters, if more than one • Physical description of shooter(s) • Number of and type of weapons held by the shooter(s) • Number of potential victims at the location The first officers to arrive at the scene will not stop to help injured persons. Expect rescue teams comprised of additional officers and emergency medical personnel to follow the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove any injured persons. They may also call upon non-disabled individuals to assist in removing the wounded from the premises. Once you have reached a safe location or an assembly point, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so. www.naaa.com
Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must prepare both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation. RESOURCES Contact your local law enforcement agency to assist with training exercises specific to your location. Department of Homeland Security Active Shooter Preparedness – cisa.gov/active-shooterpreparedness Run, Hide, Fight – Surviving an Active Shooter Event – youtube.com/watch?v= 5VcSwejU2D0 Questions: Contact NAAA Headquarters at 301-696-0400 or naaa@naaa.com
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SAFETY FIRST
Keeping Spirits High Mike Roy Vice President of Auto Auction Practice for Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services
W
ith more people working remotely, it’s important to consider how our current work environment may impact certain employees. While working from home sounds appealing to many, the longterm effects are shown to have the ability to take a toll over time, if not properly mitigated. It is important we recognize and understand the health issues facing each of us daily, both physically and emotionally. Mental stress, such as isolation and loneliness, has been directly linked in many studies. Isolation is the lack of social relationships, while loneliness is craving for social contact, often related to feelings of sadness or emptiness. Long term physical health effects may include: higher levels of stress hormones and inflammation, heart disease, a heightened risk of developing a disability, increased vulnerability to chronic illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes. More often than not, we fail to recognize signs of mental and physical stress, or even worse, we ignore them altogether. I am not immune to these effects. As an insurance professional, I recognize the critical first step of identifying risk or exposure is to address or mitigate it properly.
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I love the auction industry because we are a close-knit community and always work together in times of need to rise to the occasion. During my 15-year career, I have always been amazed by the resiliency of the incredible men and women in the auction industry and their ability to overcome whatever obstacle stands in the way. Even as “stay at home orders” are lifted, there are many varying factors that may prevent individuals within the auction industry from returning to work. Those factors may include: 1. Owners and or Executives with underlying health conditions and/or close family members and children that make it necessary to remain at home.
Included below are several tips to avoid isolation and loneliness: 1. Go outside during lunchtime for vitamin D, take a break from the screen and replace it with sunshine (weather permitting). 2. Turn your home office into an inviting, energy-boosting space. Make this area of your home an area you’re excited to work in. 3. Collaborate with colleagues for team projects via video chats, phone calls or instant messaging. 4. Take mental health breaks throughout the day. Try five minutes of calm, relaxing breathing.
2. Salespersons who stay at home given visitor limitations at customer and/or vendor locations.
5. Walk your dog, meditate or exercise during breaks and/or before or after the workday.
3. Corporate restrictions at the national level.
6. Join online communities that share common interests to have ongoing discussions with outsiders.
I strongly encourage each of you to continue the dialogue with family members and colleagues so we may once again rise to the occasion and be better for it in the end.
7. Log out. In theory, working late, picking up extra projects, and always saying yes are traits of high-achieving individuals. But they can lead to burnout if no breaks are taken in between. Clock out at the end of the day until morning. www.naaa.com
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Upgrading Spaces
NAAA’s HQ Undergoes a Makeover Into a Modern State-of-the-Art Office
After 25 years, it was time for a facelift at the National Auto Auction Association’s Maryland headquarters, and the temporary closing of the office due to the coronavirus outbreak provided the perfect opportunity for a remodeling project. So when the NAAA staff returned from working at home for two months, it was like the big reveal on an HGTV home renovation show. Their old space had been transformed with fresh paint, new lighting, carpets, and flooring. In addition to the cosmetic makeover, the renovation updated the office facilities. The conference room is now outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, including camera www.naaa.com
coverage of the entire room, a wall-sized television screen, and laptop connection capability to conduct presentations from multiple devices. The redesign also optimized the floor plan for more functional work areas, storage, server room and amenities, such as an expanded kitchen, that enhance workflow, improve organization, and boost productivity. “Our goal was not to just refresh the office’s look; we wanted to upgrade the NAAA headquarters to a 21st-century work environment that allows us to serve our membership more efficiently and effectively,” said NAAA Chief Executive Officer Frank Hackett.
“The technological ability to communicate through enriched video teleconferencing and host virtual meetings with our members is more important than ever in this pandemic.” He noted that the summer training session for the incoming chapter presidents was conducted online, and since this year’s convention has been canceled NAAA will hold Presidential Transition Day on Oct. 8 for a virtual passing of the gavel between the outgoing and incoming executives in place of the traditional in-person ceremony at the annual meeting. (Continued on page 14)
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
Upgrading Spaces
Continued
And the office technology wasn’t the only thing that was modernized as part of the remodeling, Hackett added. The dusty files of photos, newsletters, meeting minutes, and other association records were digitized to create a computer archive of documents. “We look forward to sharing interesting items of this newly discovered treasure trove of NAAA and industry history in the coming months with our members.”
LIVE! Presidential Transition Day Streams to You in October Even though NAAA’s 2020 convention was canceled due to the pandemic, the association keeps its annual tradition going with a virtual passing of the gavel as part of its Presidential Transition Day, to be livestreamed on Thursday, Oct. 8.
The interactive online event begins with a 20-minute Board of Directors meeting at 1:30 p.m., followed by the All Member Meeting. At 2 p.m., the Transition of Officers commences with the time-honored program format of speeches and presentations. In their digital appearances, NAAA President Laura Taylor will give her outgoing remarks as she hands the gavel to incoming president Julie Picard, who will deliver her inaugural address. The proceedings also include the 14
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customary gift of luggage by JD Power, the handing of the keys to the president’s car from Ford, the President’s ring from Black Book, and even some of the association’s lighthearted surprises. “We feel in this time of disruption to our usual way of life, it was important to maintain the ceremony of our convention and the connections the annual gathering provides, to give our membership a small sense of normality, “ said NAAA Chief Executive Officer Frank Hackett. “All members are invited to share this special time together. We encourage you to join us.” Members will be sent a link to allow them to participate in the membership meeting and view the live transition program. www.naaa.com
AUCTION NEWS
Manheim’s Lot Vision Helps Dealers and Transporters Find Their Vehicles Faster and Easier Clients Now Able to Use Tracking Technology with Enhanced Capability When Locating Vehicles on Lots With most Manheim lots now open for clients to preview vehicles, dealers and transporters in more than a dozen locations are finding their vehicles faster and easier with the help of Lot Vision. Introduced last year, Lot Vision is a GPS-based wireless device that is placed in a vehicle’s on-board diagnostic port and reports its whereabouts on a Manheim lot within ten feet. Recently, the technology was enhanced to include vehicle tracking by VIN and work order number. “Our lots are full right now, and dealers who are previewing vehicles tell us that Lot Vision is helping them find vehicles in minutes versus hours,” said Patrick Brennan, SVP, Marketplace. Our goal is to extend this technology to all locations and continue to make improvements to enhance our clients’ experience.”
Palm Beach, Manheim Tampa, Manheim Central Florida, Manheim St. Pete, Manheim Lakeland, Manheim Ft. Lauderdale, Manheim Ohio and Manheim Chicago, the latest location to be deployed this month. Manheim created Lot Vision partially in response to feedback from dealer clients. When asked about vehicle tracking technology, nearly all said they would embrace the innovation. Many stated they were eager to use it, with almost 90 percent finding the concept valuable and looking forward to having more confidence locating vehicles, saving time and experiencing fewer hassles. “With Lot Vision, our team members can help clients find their vehicles faster and show them how to use the technology on
their own,” said Brad Burns, General Manager at Manheim St. Pete. Cox2M, Cox Communications’ connected asset services business line, collaborated with Manheim to develop the GPS tracking hardware that powers Lot Vision. When fully deployed, Manheim will represent the largest scale LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) commercial IoT deployment in North America. Dealer clients are now implementing this solution at dealerships, as Lot Vision’s valued technology extends beyond Manheim lots. It is empowering dealers with the ability to track inventory on multiple lots and get vehicle status insights remotely when lot access is limited. Other clients interested in this solution can work directly with Cox2M.
Lot Vision is easy for dealers and transporters to use. They simply input a work order number or VIN and activate “Location Services” on a smartphone or tablet to pinpoint the vehicle’s exact location and a path to find it. For vehicles without an on-board diagnostic port, trackers are attached to the steering wheel. In addition to making it easier to detect vehicles, Lot Vision also speeds up vehicle processing for transporters. Lot Vision is now in place at Manheim Atlanta, Manheim Georgia, Manheim Dallas, Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth, Manheim San Antonio, Manheim Orlando, Manheim
Where offered, Lot Vision’s enhanced search capabilities let clients find vehicles by VINs or work orders within 10 feet.
Hertz Vehicles Sold Via ADESA Simulcast+ to Buyers in 19 States Through Automated Industry Platform ADESA hosted a single digital auction event the week of July 20, with vehicles in 22 locations using the company’s Simulcast+SM technology. The sale was hosted on behalf of The Hertz Corporation and sold vehicles to buyers in 19 U.S. states. Simulcast+ is ADESA’s new digital auction platform that simulates the competitive live auction environment in a fully digitized, highly automated, livestreaming format. “We launched Simulcast+ months ahead of schedule to support our customers during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and it has grown exponentially since then,” said Jim Hallett, www.naaa.com
chairman and CEO of KAR Global. “It’s faster than a physical auction, it’s safer than a physical auction, and it allows sellers and buyers to participate in live auctions anytime, anywhere.” The Simulcast+ technology was first utilized by ADESA in April 2020 and has since been used for more than 400 auction events. Over 11,000 buying dealers have participated in those events, casting over 400,000 bids and resulting in tens of thousands of digital vehicle sales. Simulcast+ conversions mirror results from physical auction sales and average almost 20% more bids per vehicle than auctions using the
regular Simulcast technology. Several KAR Global commercial OEM and financial institution customers are now using the technology as their preferred downstream auction platform. Several large dealer groups have also used Simulcast+ to facilitate open and closed sales across their network. Last week’s sale was the second supporting Hertz’s remarketing efforts. “We were pleased with the results of this sale in terms of dealer attendance, bidding activity, conversion and proceeds,” said Jeffrey Adams, senior vice president of remarketing at The Hertz Corporation. SEPTEMBER 2020 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK |
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AUCTION NEWS
Virtual Rock & Roll Sale Tops the Charts Annual Event Goes 100% Online DAA Northwest continued with its summertime promotion, celebrating its 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Sale, which took place July 22nd and 23rd. As in past years, the event included a Wednesday morning national accounts sale, a Wednesday evening concert, and a Thursday morning dealer sale. The difference this year was digital – Wednesday and Thursday’s sales took place exclusively via Edge Simulcast without vehicles or dealers in the lanes, and Wednesday evening’s concert was online.
for this year’s virtual party. The current pandemic didn’t allow for an in-person celebration, so DAA Northwest’s team delivered it digitally. Concert guests attended online, dancing in their living rooms and, engaging in a live chat throughout the 45-minute concert premier. “Even though it was a great sale, I look forward to getting us all back together next summer for a real, old fashioned Rock & Roll Sale,” says McConkey.
The event was completely virtual in every respect. “It was awesome in its way,” says Bob McConkey, CEO and President of McConkey Auction Group. Nearly 2,000 of the 2,400 units consigned were sold for an 83% conversion rate. “While the volumes were way off (a sign of the times), the sales percentage was off the charts” McConkey says. Wednesday’s 1100-unit Rock & Roll Sale offering included a Closed Ford Factory Sale along with open sale vehicles from Ford Motor Credit, Kia Motors America, Thrifty, Hyundai Motor Finance, Kia Motors Finance, Avis Budget Group, Honda Remarketing, and Acura Remarketing. One of DAA Northwest’s core values is “Fun,” and it was evident during Wednesday evening’s YouTube premiere of The Cronkites’ rooftop concert. The Cronkites have opened for every Rock & Roll Sale headliner since 1999, and they played on the auction’s roof 16
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(L to R): Greg Mahugh and Pat Simmons, band members; Bob McConkey, McConkey Auction Group CEO and President, and Chris Casserino, band member. www.naaa.com
AUCTION NEWS
Manheim Pennsylvania Experiences Record Vehicle Demand from Dealers in June While Manheim Pennsylvania’s 75th Anniversary activities were postponed due to COVID-19, record vehicle demand from dealers in June is a reason to celebrate. Manheim’s flagship auction location sold more than 8,200 of the approximately 10,000 vehicles offered for sale digitally during the week ending June 19. This digital sales week beat last year’s combined physical and digital sales week by almost 900 vehicles. Using Simulcast, OVE.com, and Manheim Express, nearly 9,000 dealer buyers participated virtually, showing dealers’ ability to keep their businesses moving forward by leveraging the digital wholesale marketplace. “While we weren’t able to host our in-lane anniversary sale in March due to COVID-19,
we could not be happier about meeting the demand from dealers for vehicles during this most recent week in June,” said Joey Hughes, vice president and general manager at Manheim Pennsylvania. “Even though we could not physically greet and see our clients this week, we are excited about continuing to help them be successful.” Due to COVID-19, Manheim shifted its 76 sites in the U.S. from physical to Simulcast-only sales beginning on March 16. This included closing all locations to clients and operating with limited staffing based on local and state directives. To assist dealers during this time, Manheim waived all Simulcast buy and sell fees and continues to do so today, and 90% of Manheim sites now offer clients
Onward and Upward
Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction is striving to do what is best for their staff and community.
Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction is near one of the original hot spots in the United States for the COVID-19 Outbreak. Auction staff has been working diligently to continue to provide service to customers. While in phase one, the auction was able to conduct digital live auctions and without missing a single sale. General Sales Manager Jacob Warren says, “I am very proud of our team here at Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction. We significantly reduced our staff in phase one to follow our local and state mandates from our governor. Even with the reduction in staff, our sales averaged 65% sold, and we are leading the region and the U.S. in conversion rates. We are resilient; we are willing to do whatever it takes to provide an optimum level of service to our customer base.”
www.naaa.com
The auction slowly began returning to a sense of normalcy by first allowing representatives back on to auction property during the sale and then eventually driving vehicles through the lanes beginning in phase-two. Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction entered Phase Two on June 5th. General Sales Manager Jacob Warren says, “Once we were able to drive vehicles through the lanes again, things started to happen. Since then, we have averaged 85% sold weekly. We also had a record-breaking sale at 90%! “We are working with our customers to adjust to our new normal. We moved our business office outdoors, practice social distancing, and all of our employee wear masks within the building. No one thought we would be here in January of this year, but we are making the most of it.”
the ability to preview inventory onsite. In August, the company allowed sellers to represent vehicles on the block and piloted in-lane bidding at five of its sites beginning the week of June 22. Both decisions were made after establishing strict safety protocols based on COVID-19 guidance. While in-lane physical sales with cars running down the lanes have halted, used vehicle demand is strong, and dealers buying vehicles digitally has soared. This is evidenced by Simulcast participation nearly tripling since early April, Simulcast attendance hitting approximately 20,000 attendees each day starting in mid-June, and an 81% increase in OVE.com sales in one week. In addition, the company experienced approximately 1 million digital transactions from January through May, weeks ahead of the same time last year. “We realize that moving to an all-digital format was a significant adjustment for our clients,” said Manheim President Grace Huang. “Our clients have shown great resiliency, resourcefulness, and an ability to overcome challenges. We thank them for their patience and support as we work together to keep our businesses moving forward in the safest way possible.” Established in 1945 as Manheim Auto Auction, Manheim Pennsylvania is the world’s largest wholesale auto auction, offering more than a half-million used vehicles for sale each year. SEPTEMBER 2020 | NAAA ON THE BLOCK |
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| NAAA ON THE BLOCK | SEPTEMBER 2020
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