John Combs was recently named general manager of Auction Broadcasting Company’s (ABC) new Indianapolis auction, which opened July 15. As general manager of the Indianapolis auction, Combs will be responsible for overseeing the auction start-up, as well as implementation of such ABC innovations as the Auto Auction Theater Technology and a new ABC reconditioning process.
The Auto Auction Theater Technology allows dealers to sit in the comfort of a roomy theater. A solid glass wall facilitates viewing of cars as they proceed to the auction block. A large, six-paneled screen, located across the auction lane, features up to six automobiles available for purchase simultaneously at the local facility as well as facilities throughout the ABC network of auctions. Computer screens at each theater seat allow dealers to bid on and purchase these cars in real-time.
The ABC Reconditioning Centers feature an innovative Recon Conveyor Ramp, ReconRamp, that automatically processes cars through the center. Cars do not have to be manually moved from station to station; at each checkpoint, standardized procedures ensure a uniform recon process for every vehicle. This advanced technology reduces pollution, increases safety, and allows ABC to process more cars with greater efficiency.
In other ABC personnel news, Jay Fahrendorff has joined the staff of ABC, and will serve as sales and marketing manager for the ABC Auto Auction in Minneapolis. Previously, Fahrendorf served as vice president of remarketing for Associates Fleet Services.
Headquartered in Indianapolis, ABC currently has auction sites up and running in Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, and Minnesota. Three other auction sites are under construction, in Indiana, Tennessee, and Washington, DC, and a number of other sites are under negotiation. ABC maintains its headquarters at 1919 S. Post Road in Indianapolis. For more information about ABC, call (317) 862-7325 or visit the company’s website at www.auctionbroadcasting.com.