As Manheim commemorates its 80th year in the wholesale automotive industry, Cox Automotive is making a decisive move to reshape the future of vehicle inspections and elevate the wholesale marketplace. The company has acquired full ownership of Alliance Inspection Management (AiM), a longtime partner and recognized leader in vehicle inspection services.
Cox Automotive previously held a 50% stake in AiM for nearly a decade, and this latest transaction—purchasing the remaining interest from Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp.—cements AiM as a fully integrated part of the Cox Automotive family.
This acquisition is more than a financial transaction; it’s a strategic expansion of Manheim’s capabilities at a time when the industry is rapidly evolving. With AiM now entirely under its umbrella, Manheim is poised to enhance its off-site inspection footprint significantly. This means more inspectors in more places, enabling the company to serve clients far beyond its traditional auction locations. For dealers and commercial clients alike, this expanded reach translates into faster service, greater operational efficiency, and new opportunities to streamline wholesale transactions.
One of the most immediate impacts will be felt in the off-lease inspection segment. Manheim is now positioned as the industry’s top provider of off-lease inspections, a distinction made possible by the integration of AiM’s expertise and the deployment of Manheim’s advanced Next Inspect technology. This tech-driven solution enables inspections at scale, delivering a level of accuracy and consistency that clients can rely on—whether managing a single vehicle or an entire fleet.
The acquisition also brings a substantial boost in manpower. Approximately 300 new team members will be deployed to dealer lots across the country, helping to facilitate faster and more effective wholesale transactions. These boots on the ground will play a crucial role in improving turnaround times and enhancing the overall experience for both sellers and buyers.
In total, around 700 skilled AiM employees are now part of Cox Automotive, bringing with them years of specialized knowledge in vehicle condition reporting. Their integration into Manheim’s operations is expected to accelerate innovation in inspection services and raise the bar for quality and consistency across the board. This infusion of talent and expertise will enable Manheim to continue evolving its offerings and meet the increasing demands of a dynamic marketplace.
The timing of this acquisition is significant. Manheim’s 80th anniversary is not just a celebration of its legacy—it’s a reaffirmation of its commitment to lead the industry into the future. The company has consistently demonstrated a willingness to invest in technology, talent, and infrastructure to serve its clients better. This latest move follows the recent acquisitions of Bel Air and Tallahassee Auto Auctions, signaling a broader strategy to expand and modernize its footprint.
KEY QUOTES:
“This is another powerful step in our journey toward reimagining how buyers and sellers connect in today’s wholesale automotive marketplace. By fully integrating AiM’s talent and technology into the Manheim Marketplace, we’re making it easier than ever for clients to transact confidently—whether in lane, online, onsite or offsite.”
Grace Huang, president of Inventory Solutions at Cox Automotive
“We’re building the marketplace of the future—one that’s smarter, more connected and more convenient for everyone. Strengthening our workforce and integrating new technologies means clients can expect even greater consistency, reliability and transparency—cornerstones of the Manheim and Cox Automotive legacy. We welcome all our new team members as we take this exciting next step together.”
Joe Kichler, senior vice president of Digital and Supply Chain at Cox Automotive
