A DRIVE to win solus fleet disposal contracts from large fleets and leasing firms at Manheim Auctions is being spearheaded by former Fleet Management Services managing director Shaun Price. He has joined the firm as corporate sales director with a brief to build new business and has already created a battle-plan to build sales at the American-backed company.

New technology has been introduced to launch electronic auctions and an expansion into Europe has also begun. For Price, the key factor in the firm's success will be the enthusiasm and determination of its employees. He said: 'This is a young company and a young staff, but they are very wise with it. There is a lot of energy in the business and that is very powerful and uplifting for me. Young centre managers are working all the hours necessary to support their fleet customers.'

Price will work with Alan Hale, group sales director, to build the business, using the expanding auction network and access to ground-breaking electronic products such as Portfolio Europe for Cars, which provides internet and extranet e-commerce applications to motor manufacturers and dealership groups, and Manheim OnLine, which includes Cyberlot, a fixed price stock locator, Online Interactive Auctions and Online Catalogues.