#USA #Atlanta #Cox Automotive #AIM #Manheim

Cox Automotive Expands Influence with AiM Acquisition

On September 8th, 2025, Cox Automotive marked a significant milestone by fully acquiring Alliance Inspection Management (AiM), a move expected to greatly enhance the capabilities of Manheim, its flagship wholesale brand. As Manheim celebrates its 80th anniversary, CEO Grace Huang expressed the company's ambitions to reshape the wholesale marketplace, leveraging AiM’s expertise in vehicle inspection services.

Manheim's Growth Potential

For nearly a decade, Cox Automotive has held a 50% share in AiM, and the full acquisition from Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. opens new doors for expansion. The immediate benefit of this decision is a considerably enhanced offsite presence, allowing Manheim to extend its reach beyond traditional locations, bolstering service capacity and client relationships.

Huang stated, "This is another powerful step in our journey toward reimagining how buyers and sellers connect in today's wholesale automotive marketplace." With AiM's advanced inspection solutions integrated into Manheim's offerings, clients can now transact more successfully and confidently, whether it is in-person or through online platforms.

Industry-Leading Inspection Services

This acquisition positions Manheim as an industry leader in off-lease inspections. Utilizing AiM's innovative Next Inspect technology, the firm plans to streamline the inspection process, providing clients with unparalleled efficiency and accuracy. This integration promises enhanced confidence for commercial clients, who will significantly benefit from these tech-driven solutions.

Moreover, the transaction will see around 700 skilled AiM employees joining the Cox Automotive family, bringing their extensive knowledge and expertise to further improve condition reporting and facilitate better experiences for both buyers and sellers.

Enhanced Dealer Support

An important facet of this acquisition is the additional support for dealers. With approximately 300 new team members reaching out to dealers nationally, Manheim is poised to drive rapid and effective wholesale vehicle transactions. The expansion of the workforce will play a critical role in enhancing the overall marketplace dynamics, ensuring clients receive swift service and tailored support.

Joe Kichler, Senior Vice President of Digital and Supply Chain at Cox Automotive, emphasized the company's commitment to creating a marketplace that is smarter, more connected, and convenient. "We’re building the marketplace of the future—one that's smarter, more connected, and more convenient for everyone," he noted, reaffirming that strengthening the workforce and integrating new technology signifies substantial improvements in consistency, reliability, and transparency for all stakeholders.

Celebrating 80 Years of Excellence

The acquisition of AiM aligns perfectly with Manheim's 80th anniversary, highlighting the company's legacy as a pioneer in the wholesale automotive sector. This strategic move comes shortly after Cox Automotive's acquisition of Bel Air and Tallahassee Auto Auctions, further demonstrating its aggressive expansion strategy.

Delivering tailored solutions and leveraging its extensive data resources—2.3 billion online interactions a year—Cox Automotive is committed to advancing the automotive market. Having over 25,000 employees globally, the company continues to innovate its offerings across various platforms, assuring a promising future for all its stakeholders. As the automotive landscape evolves, Cox Automotive’s strategic decisions will undoubtedly define the market and inspire confidence among consumers, dealers, and partners alike.

With the integration of AiM, Cox Automotive sets the stage for a revolutionary shift in the wholesale automotive industry, positioning itself to navigate and thrive amid future challenges and demands.