KAR Auction Services, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BacklotCars Inc., an app and web-based dealer-to-dealer wholesale platform featuring a 24/7 “bid-ask” marketplace and comprehensive vehicle inspections performed by automobile mechanics.
KAR Global is immediately transitioning to Simulcast-only sales at all U.S. and Canada ADESA auction locations until further notice as the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, according to KAR Auction Services.
Vehicles from fleet consignors followed the broader used-vehicle market downward in September, as wholesale prices struggled to keep up with last year's hurricane-driven demand and a now robust upstream market, said Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
The average value of used fleet vehicles increased 1.5% in August from the prior month and are now up 8.5% from a year ago, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
Used-vehicle values have held strong this year. A strong economy and more efficient remarketing strategies are helping make 2018 a banner year for used-vehicle values.
Vehicles that were taken out of commercial, government, and daily rental fleets and sold at auction in July were worth 8.1% more than they were a year ago and 0.4% more than in June, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
Off-lease fleet vehicles sold in the wholesale market at auction fell 1% in value in June from the prior month but increased 7% from a year ago, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
KAR Auction Services acquires mobility and fleet management software company Stratim, expanding the company's presence in on-demand carsharing and ride-hailing services.