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Tri-State Auto Auction-Fargo Receives GM Operational Excellence Award.
Dan Kennedy, National Sales Manager, GM Remarketing (left), makes the presentation to Tri-State Auto Auction – Fargo partners Mike Thorstad (center) and Dave Zabel (right).

About GM Sponsored Auctions
General Motors has been a major participant in the growth of the auction industry over the last two decades. In 1983, GM used 10 auctions with sales of nearly 20,000 used vehicles. Today GM redistributes used, off-lease and off-rent vehicles through GM dealers with the help of 41 GM Sponsored Auctions across the U.S. This provides value not only for GM, but also provides a source that makes available high-quality, late-model used vehicles for GM dealers.

ServNet Auctions Recognized by General Motors

Several ServNet auctions were singled out for special recognition by General Motors at the auction group’s annual business meeting with GM in May.

Receiving GM’s 2006 Operational Excellence Award was Tri-State Auto Auction ( West Fargo , ND ). Tri-State Auto Auction, one of 41 GM Sponsored Auctions nationwide, sold more than 9,000 GM used vehicles at GM factory and GMAC open auctions in 2006. The auction joined the GM Sponsored program in 2001, and in 2003 was named the GM Auction of the Year.

In addition to the Operational Excellence Award, Tri-State Auto Auction received the 2006 Overall Achievement Award for GM FrontLine Ready and GM Sponsored Plus (for best combined volume and penetration percentage). GM also presented Tri-State with the 2006 Inventory Management Award, as the best ServNet auction to report GM inventory as well as being consistent in making the vehicles eligible for sale.

“We have numerous benchmarks which reflect General Motors’ and the auction’s success, and the Operational Excellence Award, presented for the first time this year, is designed to recognize GM Sponsored Auctions that perform consistently well in a variety of measurements,” said Dan Kennedy, National Sales Manager, GM Remarketing. “These metrics include penetration and preparation of GM FrontLine Ready and GM Sponsored Plus vehicles, the number of attending and purchasing GM dealers, vehicle throughput and the level of online purchases.”

“Since becoming a GM Sponsored Auction six years ago, Tri-State Auto Auction has consistently provided a high level of customer service and a quality product for GM dealers,” noted Kennedy.

In addition to the 2006 performance ranking, three other ServNet auctions were singled out by GM for performance in key areas. State Line Auto Auction in Waverly, NY received GM’s Operational Excellence Award for the first quarter of 2007. Based on performance metrics in operations, the award recognized State Line as the top performing auction in its region.

Columbus Fair Auto Auction in Columbus , OH was recognized for Overall Achievement in March of 2007, an award provided to a single auction for overall achievement in the market. Factors include attracting dealers to the site, vehicle preparation, and GM FrontLine Ready and GM Sponsored Plus program performance.

Southern Auto Auction in East Windsor , CT , received GM’s Marketing and Creativity Award for its “Swedish Success” promotion.

At the conclusion of the awards presentation, General Motors also made a special presentation to Steve Marlow, long-time owner of the Idaho Auto Auction, who recently announced his retirement and sale of the auction to the Brasher family. Dan Kennedy presented Marlow with a framed photo of a classic 1942 Oldsmobile Cutlass signed by GM and GMAC remarketing staffs, thanking him for his performance, service and friendship. The Idaho Auto Auction has hosted a GM Sponsored Auction since 1996. Over the past 11 years, the auction has been frequently recognized as a top performer for GM, earning the GM Auction of the Year Award in 2004. In 1999 the auction pioneered Internet sales for GM using the OnLine Ringman system.