A NEW education programme aimed at showing fleet managers how an auction works and how to choose the best method of vehicle disposal has been launched by Manheim Auctions.

The new service provides decision-makers with a half-day 'Guide to auctions' and is aimed at providing a valuable insight into how auctions work.

It will include a visit to one of Manheim's 100 fleet sales, run each month at its 19 UK auction sites.

Those attending the course will be taken through the entire process, including a guide to the language used at auctions, how reserve prices work and how an auctioneer identifies bids.

A Manheim spokesman said: 'We will also explain the basic principles of how to get the best price for an ex-fleet car at auction and have drawn up a list of dos and don'ts when selling company cars in order to maximise residual values.'

Residual value experts have run a long campaign warning fleet managers that to get the best prices at disposal, they have to go down to the auction floor. They say that price guides are no replacement for actually getting a feel for the auction floor.

Furthermore, fleet decision-makers can provide an instant reaction if they find some models are selling well, while others are struggling.

For details on the courses, call Manheim Auctions on 0870 4440432.