Manheim, a division of Cox Automotive Inc., has announced this week that it has purchased Dealer Solutions.
The combination of Manheim and Dealer Solutions, under the Cox Automotive umbrella, will create a broader suite of open solutions that deliver greater value to dealers, manufacturers, fleet managers, vehicle sellers and the overall automotive industry.
Dealer Solutions’ broad solution set for dealers and vehicle manufactures is an excellent complement to Manheim’s vehicle remarketing services that serve the wider automotive ecosystem. Together, Manheim and Dealer Solutions will be well positioned to help customers grow their businesses and increase efficiencies as they navigate a rapidly changing global automotive industry.
With the move into Cox Automotive, Chris Vening, former CEO and owner of Dealer Solutions has retired. Moving forward, former Chief Operating Officer of Dealer Solutions, Damian Jones will be the new Chief Executive Officer. Damian will report to Campbell Jones, CEO of Manheim Australia and New Zealand.
As the previous Chief Operating Officer and having been with the company since 1999, his expertise, experience and impressive credentials made him the natural selection for this new position. His Executive team is comprised of Mark Butler (Chief Sales Officer) and Martin Clarke (Chief Technology Officer) who are stalwarts of the company.
John Bailey, Executive Vice President, Cox Automotive International, said “This is a great investment in our customers and in the auto industry. Cox Automotive has identified Australia and New Zealand as growth markets and as a sign of our confidence in Manheim, Dealer Solutions and our people, have made this significant investment in the future growth of our group of companies.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris and acknowledge the outstanding contribution he has made to the automotive sector through his ownership of Dealer Solutions. Chris should be very proud of his achievements and we wish him all the best for the future. I would also like to thank him for his work in making this deal come to fruition.”
Campbell Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Manheim Australia and New Zealand said, “Dealer Solutions is one of the most trusted and respected automotive services brands in Australia and they have an impeccable record of service and customer commitment. They are an industry leading, innovative and technology driven company which makes them an outstanding addition to our family.”
“There are many fabulous synergies in play between the Manheim and Dealer Solutions businesses. Operating in similar markets and servicing similar customers, we have little overlap between the products and services we both offer. As such there is massive potential to work together and provide our customers with the most comprehensive range of products and services available in the wholesale and retail sectors in the automotive market.”
Campbell continued, “I am confident Damian and his team will ensure Dealer Solutions continues on its successful path and is well placed to maximise the exciting opportunities for growth under the Cox Automotive umbrella.”
Damian Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Dealer Solutions, said, “Having been with the company since 1999, it is clear to me that the time is right and this move is a natural progression for the future of the Dealer Solutions business. Becoming part of Manheim and Cox Automotive will provide Dealer Solutions with access to global resources, new products and services and the support of the world’s leading automotive services company. It will provide us with opportunities to even better meet the needs of our customers and the industry as a whole.”
“Clearly there are immediate opportunities for the synergies between our companies to be explored for the benefit of our customers and to fuel our business growth. Work has already commenced on how we will best collaborate and not only maintain our excellent levels of customer service at Dealer Solutions and Manheim, but build, strengthen and collectively improve our customer focused approach.”
“This move will allow us to bring more of the services and products within the Cox Automotive stable internationally, into our local markets. I am extremely enthusiastic about our future with Manheim and Cox Automotive.”
