Auctions make a timely return
B OTH the trade and private motorists can buy and sell vehicles when the first dedicated car auction centre in Stoke-on-Trent for more than a decade opens tonight.
Danfords Motor Auction has been set up on Grove Road Industrial Estate at Fenton and plans to stage two sales a week, on Tuesdays at 11am and Fridays at 6pm.
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Danfords Motor Auction's Amy Higgins, left, Ian Roberts and Linda Mitchell.
The project is being run by Ian Roberts, who saw a gap in the market. He said: "I worked in the pub trade but wanted to come out of that and about 18 months ago I noticed that there wasn't a motor auction site in Stoke-on-Trent.
"There used to be one on Vernon Road but there has not been one for some time in the city, although there is a need for it.
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"It allows the dealers to get rid of some of their trade-ins that they don't want on their forecourts, as well as the public who might want a quick sale.
"It has been a bit of an uphill battle to find suitable premises but we are here now and have our first sale tonight.
"I know it will take time to get established but I would invite anyone from the trade to come and have a look at us.''
Dealers such as Ken Jervis and George Rhodes have already committed cars to the sale.
There should be a few dozen lots going under the hammer, ranging from a Porsche Boxster to a Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck.
The 18,000 square feet secure site can handle up to around 80 cars and light commercials and there are 65 parking spaces for visitors.
Danfords will do a thorough background check on all vehicles entered for sale to make sure they are not on the stolen register or have outstanding finance on them.
There is a buyer's fee of £40 plus VAT for vehicles up to £500 and then an extra £10 for every £500 on top of that. Dealers are charged £40 plus VAT per car and have up to three sales for that. Private sellers are charged a £20 entry fee.
Ian adds: "I know from speaking to the bigger dealers there is a need for something like this because it is a quick, easy and convenient way to get rid of some of their stock.
"For the smaller independent traders it is a good way for them to source some new stock to put on their forecourts.''
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