Manheim is to launch a double-block vehicle auction in September - which the company believes will be a UK first.

The auction will offer two vehicles simultaneously from the same lane.This is made possible by its redeveloped auction house in Bruntingthorpe.

Offering vehicles at four rostrums over two lanes will increase the single sale capacity at Manheim Bruntingthorpe to 1,500 vehicles.

The introduction of double-blocking is part of a multi-million pound investment that will support sales programmes of all sizes, and will specialise in single ‘super sales’ of 600 vehicles or more.

Manheim will also diversify its stock profile, meaning buyers will have access to a wide variety of vehicles.

Cox Automotive UK’s managing director of inventory solutions Tim Hudson said: “The industry-first introduction of double-blocking will maximise prime time selling opportunities, increase stock throughput for our clients, and ultimately help them to sell more vehicles, more quickly and more profitably.”