Hundreds of car dealers mill around 13 auction lanes, a series of long, connected garages with entryways at both ends. Once the auction starts, pandemonium ensues. Cars are driven down the lanes, rolling along as dealers open car doors, sniff interiors, slam trunks, and inspect paint. Auctioneers, who sit on a platform next to a car's owner, chant in a rapid-fire tempo over the noise of idling engines. It takes about 30 seconds or so to auction off each car, and Manheim receives transaction fees from both the buyers and the sellers.
Car dealers come here to buy and sell, but they also come here to meet and socialize.
More importantly, they come here because Manheim has built services around its auctions that make it easier for dealers to do business. Manheim will do it. Manheim will hold them. And Mother Manheim loves car dealers. You know that your mother takes care of you, that your mother looks out for you, and that your mother won't lie to you.