1link Ensures Dealers Get Best Ex-Fleet Vehicles
Dealers are utilising the intelligent search features of epyx’s 1link Disposal Network e-commerce platform to ensure they get the best ex-fleet cars and vans possible, with the system allowing them to bid on or buy cars and vans before they are even defleeted, thereby guaranteeing stock is of very high quality.
Ken Trinder, head of business development at epyx, said: “One of the key features of Disposal Network is that it means dealers can set up intelligent searches for stock, be notified when cars and vans become available and bid on them before they have been defleeted.
“So, for example, if you know you can sell a Volkswagen Golf 2.0 turbodiesel SE in a light metallic, three-four years old and with less than 60,000 miles, you can set up an intelligent search and be notified by text or mail when matching vehicles become available. You can then bid on or buy the car, knowing in advance when it will be defleeted and planning exactly when it will arrive with you.”
Trinder said that this system worked well because it allowed dealers to access in-demand stock quickly and easily as it became available, and helped fleets to realise correspondingly strong prices.
He explained: “This method of trading allows dealers and fleets to match up their corresponding disposal and acquisition needs quickly and easily on a national basis, creating a very level and transparent marketplace. There are few of the erratic disposal results that you might sometimes experience through other routes.”
1link Disposal Network, used by operators of major car and van fleets, was launched two years ago but has really begun to gain momentum in the last few months as the recession has prompted fleets to look for ways to disposes of vehicles more efficiently and quickly than traditional routes.
Trinder said that there were strong signs that 1link Disposal Network was starting to establish itself as the industry standard for managing fleet disposal online in the same way that its 1link Service Network product holds that position for fleet maintenance.
He explained: “The development of 1link Disposal Network closely matches how 1link Service Network grew a few years ago. That platform gradually gained momentum until it attained a position of critical mass where it became backed by almost the entire industry. Today, it is in use by fleets totalling more than two million vehicles buying service and maintenance from 13,000 franchise dealers, independent garages and fast fit centres.”
Trinder said that the dramatic fall in used car and van prices during 2008 had seen many fleets seeking more efficient disposal techniques and that 1link Disposal Network has enabled them to do this for the first time.
He added: “1link Disposal Network allows fleets to turn a vehicle asset back into cash very quickly, much faster than traditional methods. Also, the prices being frequently exceed both the CAP industry price guides and other disposal routes.”
See also:
