The partnership between Manheim and Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific (MBAP) and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia (MBFS) covers a complete range of physical and digital services to the OEM and its retailers.

Under the new agreement, Manheim will manage the logistical and operational requirements for company fleet, lease, rental and finance assets including vehicle inspections, vehicle detailing, professional photography including Mercedes-Benz branded backgrounds, online auctions, sale management and administration all to MBAP and MBFS standards.

MBAP said Manheim’s experience with OEMs both locally and globally, “its sales performance and its outstanding account management and support” were key components in the decision to extend the partnership.

Manheim will provide a suite of digital sales channels including web-streamed live online auctions and 100 per cent digital listings, for a comprehensive and convenient sales solution for Mercedes-Benz dealers as well as public prestige auction channels for MBFS vehicles.

Manheim head of OEM and Online Glen Faulkner said: “We have a long-term and deep relationship with Mercedes-Benz and their retailers and were delighted at their decision to extend our partnership.

“As part of Cox Automotive we can provide an end-to-end solution which not only meets their current requirements but also plans for the future.”

In November, Manheim announced a similar extension in its logistics services to Volvo Car Australia.

The extended agreement includes vehicle inspections, vehicle detailing, photography, online auctions, sale management and administration.

Manheim, which sits under the Cox Automotive Australia umbrella, already supplies logistics services for disposing of fleet vehicles to about 75 per cent of OEMs operating in Australia – including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Ford.

By Neil Dowling