LIVE images of a van auction in Colchester were shown on the Manheim stand at the show to launch the new Simulcast interactive service.

Simulcast means potential buyers can log on to the internet and take part in van auctions, while watching and listening to the proceedings in real time. Visitors to the stand were able to see how the system works.

Simulcast was launched for cars a year ago and many vehicles have made up to 12% more when internet buyers were involved.

Manheim commercial vehicle director Alex Wright said: ‘Having access to an auction online from the convenience of their own offices is an attractive proposition for busy commercial vehicle buyers who don’t have time to attend a physical auction. Now that we have got the cataloguing information perfected, we anticipate more vans being purchased online. This is good news for vendors as they turn their assets into cash more quickly.’