The number of vendors using Simulcast, Manheim?s record breaking online broadcast of physical auctions, continues to grow following confirmation that the Retail Automotive Alliance Limited (RAA) has signed up for the service. Manheim Auctions operates 20 sales per week for the RAA at 13 of its auction centres offering 600 vehicles per week and has sold more than 15,600 vehicles so far this year.

Manheim Auctions? Simulcast is the UK?s premier trade-only online wholesale channel, linking trade buyers via the internet to physical auctions, where they can view, bid and buy vehicles in real time, competing with other online buyers as well as buyers actually in the auction hall. With its UK centres geared up to broadcast live physical auctions over the web Manheim is now transmitting live action from the auction halls for around 50 auctions every week.

The acceleration in the growth of sales through Simulcast has exceeded all expectations this year as the record number of online sales achieved during the whole of 2008 is now already history. Last year 13,517 vehicles were sold online however this number was exceeded at the beginning of July.

Commenting on Manheim Auctions? Simulcast latest vendor, Mike Pilkington, Managing Director, Manheim Auctions & Remarketing said, “The addition of the RAA to the list of vendors who use Simulcast regularly, and who reap the benefits of doing so, is further recognition of the quality and effectiveness of the service. Simulcast has become an integral part of the remarketing „landscape? and is now recognised throughout the industry as a well established, trusted and reliable business tool that complements physical auctions.”

Marc Matthew Chairman RAA said “We were pleased to renew our contract with Manheim after a full retendering process and we look forward to members developing their vehicle disposal business through Simulcast and other new initiatives”

The Retail Automotive Alliance Limited (RAA) comprises 22 independent dealer groups located throughout the UK with a combined turnover of £2.5billion. At the end of 2008 the RAA awarded a new two year contract to Manheim Auctions for the remarketing of up to 30,000 used cars and vans a year extending a relationship that began in April 2006.

For further information about the RAA, please contact Dean Bradford - Tel: 01293 516 123 or email: dean.bradford@retailautomotivealliance.co.uk