Manheim Australia has opened a new automotive auction facility at TradeCoast, supported by new salvage and industrial yards in nearby Pinkenba.
The expanded Brisbane footprint is designed to increase vehicle storage, inspection and auction capacity while improving the experience for fleet operators, leasing companies, government agencies, lenders, dealers and other organisations selling vehicles through Manheim.
First auction held at TradeCoast
The new drive-through auction facility at 50 Trade Coast Drive held its first weekly public sale on 7 July, with more than 400 vehicles consigned.
Vehicles offered during the opening auction came from the Queensland Government, leasing companies, corporate fleets, lenders and dealers.
The 44,000-square-metre facility was completed in 2025 and is located about 10 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, only a few minutes from Manheim’s previous Eagle Farm auction site.
Manheim has signed a 10-year lease on the property.
Undercover storage for around 1,000 vehicles
The TradeCoast site can accommodate more than 1,200 vehicles, with around 1,000 able to be stored undercover.
The warehouse includes space for four simultaneous drive-through auctions, detailing bays and two Detectary photo booths. These booths capture under-vehicle images as well as 360-degree interior and exterior photographs.
Manheim said the technology is intended to produce clearer and more consistent images of vehicles listed for sale, which may help remote buyers assess fleet and used vehicles before bidding.
The auction area contains two lanes, with two auction boxes in each lane. Large displays, high-definition cameras and upgraded audio systems support live video simulcasts for online bidders.
A central seating area allows buyers to inspect vehicles and participate in person.
Workshop and inspection capability
The TradeCoast facility also includes a workshop with six vehicle hoists, customer service desks, staff offices and onsite parking.
For fleet sellers, the additional inspection and preparation capacity should support the process between vehicle collection, condition assessment, presentation and sale.
Manheim said early feedback highlighted the undercover vehicle viewing area, the site’s proximity to the previous location, the layout and the audio quality of its online auctions.
The company is continuing to adjust the site following feedback, including plans for larger displays, additional signage and the return of its flashing green lights used to indicate when a vehicle is on the market.
New Pinkenba salvage and industrial yards
Manheim has also opened new salvage and industrial yards at Pinkenba.
The salvage facility includes new racking that allows damaged vehicles to be stored vertically. According to Manheim, the system improves access to vehicles while making more efficient use of available land and storage space.
The Pinkenba yards expand Manheim’s Brisbane capability beyond passenger and fleet vehicle auctions to include salvage vehicles and industrial assets.
Cox Automotive Australia CEO Stephen Lester said the new facilities were designed to support both customers and employees.
“Modern, future-proof, newly built and with long-term leases, these facilities demonstrate our commitment to the Australian market as a leading asset auctioneer and will give our people an even better day-to-day working experience to boot,” Lester said.
For Fleet Managers and fleet remarketing teams, the Brisbane sites provide additional local capacity for vehicle inspections, storage, preparation, physical auctions and online sales.
