FORT WAYNE, Indiana -- The Stanley-Autenrieth Auction Group has announced that it has purchased the Fort Wayne Auto Truck Auction. According to Eric Autenrieth, consignment and sales from the acquired facility will be merged into existing operations at Indiana Auto Auction. The acquisition takes effect on September 13th, 2019.
“This is an exciting move for us and a prime opportunity for buyers and sellers to meet together in what will be the premier auto and truck auction facility in the Midwest,” said Autenrieth.“With the merging of the two operations, we expect to offer up to 1,000 cars at our weekly Thursday auction, and 200-300 heavy duty trucks every other week on Wednesday.Consolidating the automotive consignment and bringing the heavy truck business together under one roof benefits buyers throughout the region and streamlines the remarketing process for both dealer and commercial accounts.”
Following the acquisition of the Fort Wayne Auto Truck Auction operations, Indiana Auto Auction will hold its bi-weekly truck sale on Wednesdays, in deference to the precedent set by the Fort Wayne auction, the first stationery heavy-duty truck auction in the country.
Fort Wayne Auto Auction has been in operation in 1984, when it opened as the first stationery heavy-truck auction in the country. According to Autenrieth, the most recent owners, Carl Miskotten, Chris Walsh and Paul Beerman, have built the operation into one of the largest truck sales in the industry. He further notes that Miskotten will assist in transitioning the heavy-duty truck side of the business to Indiana Auto Auction.
“Fort Wayne has long been known as a truck auction town, and we’re excited to bring all the auction activity under one roof with this acquisition,” said Kevin Brown, Managing Partner at Indiana Auto Auction. “They’ve also built a strong group of consignors from the credit union and fleet/ lease sector, which we will work to retain at Indiana Auto Auction’s weekly car auction.”
“The Fort Wayne auction has been a formidable presence in the industry, and in taking on its operations we have a responsibility to both our current customers and those who have been attending the Fort Wayne Auto Truck auction for so many years,” Brown continues. “Going forward, our focus will be to exceed our customers’ expectations on both sides of the auction transaction and work hard to prove to both consignors and buyers that this acquisition is good for them, and good for the market.”
Brown notes that Indiana Auto Auction is undergoing a number of improvements in anticipation of larger volumes in all areas of its operations. To accommodate the additional heavy-duty truck consignments, the auction is developing dedicated parking for the larger units. The auction is also adding to its own truck fleet to facilitate the increases in transport of both autos and trucks. To augment its services on the fleet/lease side of its operations, Indiana Auto Auction is installing a new automatic car wash.
“Our goal is to be the auction of choice for buyers and sellers of cars, trucks, and heavy-duty trucks in the Midwest, and we appreciate working with Carl, Paul and Chris to make this a reality,” said Brown. “As a family-owned, independent auction, we’re excited to offer superior service, and superior selection to customers throughout the region.”
Established in 1965, Indiana Auto Auction has become a driving force in the remarketing industry. Situated in the heart of the Midwest, the auction is situated within 150 miles of major population centers that boast more than 20 million residents and is central to some of the country's largest automotive and truck markets including Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis. The auction is located next to main Interstate Highways that connect these cities, making Fort Wayne an excellent transportation hub.
One of two auctions in the Stanley-Autenrieth Auction Group, Indiana Auto Auction is a member of ServNet Auctions – the nation’s premier group of Independently owned auto auctions with 22 locations across the country. Pierre Pons, CEO of TPC Management Company advised both parties on the transaction.