Cox to close five Manheim auction centres
11 July 2022
Cox Automotive, which owns auction company Manheim, is understood to be planning the closure of five auction centres in the UK, including its newest operation at Bruntingthorpe.
The centres earmarked for closure are: Wimbledon, Mansfield, Haydock, Gloucester and Bruntingthorpe. Auto Retail Agenda understands staff were informed at the end of June.
The Bruntingthorpe site underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment less than five years ago and, at the time, was held up as the firm’s flagship auction operation.
The physical auction site closures reflect the increasing shift to online auctions that was accelerated by the Covid pandemic.
A spokesperson for Cox Automotive said: “We have made an announcement regarding some proposed changes to our Manheim Auction Services business ensuring we are best placed to deliver for customers both now and in the future. Manheim Auction Services will continue to evolve to reflect ever-changing market and customer needs. We have communicated our proposed plans to customers.”
Cox did not give a timescale for the action, but it is thought the closures will be completed before the end of the year.It is unclear what will happen to the sites, or what will happen to other Cox operations that are based at the same locations. However, it is believed the locations will remain with Cox Automotive and not sold off.
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