Dealers hope new site will shift car sales up a few gears

SOME of Ireland’s leading car dealers are gearing up for a new way to sell second-hand cars.

Auto Auction will hold monthly live auctions designed to make the carbuying process quicker and easier.

Garages will list their available cars on the site, and buyers can browse the vehicles with the option to perform a background check.

They can then contact the relevant garages through the platform to arrange viewings.

Auto Auction boss Michael O’Connor said: ‘There is a shortage of topquality second-hand vehicles on the market at the moment, and we aim to be a one-stop shop for buyers and dealers. Our industry-leading auction technology makes it seamless for garages to sell vehicles to private and trade purchasers.

‘Buyers will find the most comprehensive and secure auction software on the market.’

Dealers such as Annesley Williams in Dublin, Frank Hogan in Limerick and Finbarr Galvin in Cork are already on board for the first auction which features around 50 cars.

Bids are open from Wednesday and run until next Monday with staggered closing times for each vehicle. John Fitzgerald, general manager at the Frank Hogan garage, said: ‘The benefits to garages are huge as we are exposed to a nationwide audience of motivated buyers who know the cars they want and trust the dealers that are selling them.’

Each vehicle is given a reserve and if these are not met then dealers will be contacted about potential negotiations. Potential purchasers register with the site in advance by lodging a refundable deposit of €500 and have 24 hours after the auction to pay the balance.