MANHEIM Auctions has launched a new electronic system aimed at making the disposal of fleet vehicles more efficient and cost-effective.

Called Signed 4 Inspection and Collection, the system allows Manheim's 200 'plated' drivers to inspect vehicles at the point of collection and verify condition there and then, with the customer's approval.

With £1 million invested in the project, Manheim claims the system means fleets get their vehicles online and in front of vendors earlier in the disposal process. The hand-held electronic terminals used to record the condition of the vehicles can send the details via GPRS technology – the system used to send pictures from mobile phones – directly into Manheim's online Inventory Management System (IMS) network. Each vehicle is bar-coded so that customers can track the vehicle throughout the entire preparation and sale process.

Manheim Auctions chief executive John Bailey said: 'We are able to provide our fleet customers with more information on their vehicles much earlier on in the disposal process and, of course, by obtaining the user's signature, which confirms any damage found beyond normal fair wear and tear, they are seeing major improvements in their damage reclaim success rate.

'Also, by giving our fleet customers online access to IMS, they have full information on the status of all their vehicles at their fingertips.

'This generates major efficiencies across the entire process from beginning to end, enabling us to sell vehicles quicker and make more informed decisions, which in turn generates higher values. And, of course, the vendor sees their money sooner – a vital part of every remarketing strategy.'