Automotive remarketing
Automotive remarketing is all about efficiently selling or buying ex-lease, rental or other used vehicles. Whether you're on the selling or buying side, the right approach helps you get the most value out of every deal. On this page, you’ll learn more about automotive remarketing and how it works.
What is automotive remarketing?
Automotive remarketing is about reselling used vehicles that were previously leased, rented, or part of a company fleet. Think of ex-lease cars, former rentals, company cars that are no longer needed, or trade-ins.
There are two types of remarketing: B2B and B2C. The main difference lies in who the buyer is and how the vehicle is sold:
- B2B remarketing: businesses selling vehicles to other professionals in the automotive industry like dealers, traders or leasing companies. It’s fast and efficient, you work through established (digital) channels, and there’s less hassle with things like warranties or test drives. One downside? Competition is high, so standing out from the crowd requires a smart approach.
- B2C remarketing: businesses sell directly to private consumers. The audience is large, and consumers tend to decide quickly. They’re also highly price-sensitive and less loyal to a specific brand or seller. That means more investment in marketing, customer service and aftersales, which also means more time and cost per sale.
Why is automotive remarketing important?
Every day a car stands still, it loses value. A strong remarketing strategy ensures that vehicles quickly return to the market, which directly boosts cash flow, optimizes stock levels and helps reduce depreciation. This is especially important for leasing companies, rental firms, importers, fleet owners and traders. When a lease ends or a rental car needs to be replaced, that vehicle should be sold quickly and at the right price. The more streamlined this process is, the better the return.
But even more important: holding on to stock costs money. Every vehicle that just stands still ties up capital you can’t invest elsewhere. On top of that, you’re still paying for insurance, storage space and basic upkeep to keep it presentable. All of those costs add up quickly.
That’s why turnover speed is so important. The faster you sell, the lower your costs, and the healthier your cash flow.
How automotive remarketing works
A remarketing process usually begins with a trigger: a lease contract ends, a vehicle is traded in, or a car has been in stock for too long. That’s when the vehicle enters the remarketing flow. After that, a few key steps follow:
1. InspectionThe first step is an inspection, either done in-house or by an external party such as SGS or Macadam. Think of things like technical condition, damage and signs of use, mileage, and maintenance history. Based on this, a trade value or guide price is determined.
2. Selecting the sales channelDepending on the type of vehicle, its condition and the target audience, the right channel is chosen: a closed auction, an online platform, export or through a private network.
3. Preparation and listingPresentation and transparency are key: high-quality photos, a complete description and clear insight into any damage, maintenance and history. This builds trust with buyers and increases the chance of a successful sale.
4. Sales phaseBuyers place bids or buy directly. Depending on the strategy, the vehicle can change from owner quickly or be relisted if no suitable offer is received.
5. Fulfillment and transaction handlingInvoicing, payment and transport are arranged. In professional remarketing environments, this is increasingly handled fully digitally.
6. EvaluationWith data analysis, remarketing strategies can be continuously improved.
Who is automotive remarketing for?
Automotive remarketing is aimed at various players in the automotive industry who are involved in selling or reselling used vehicles. Here's an overview of who benefits from it:
1. Leasing companiesAt the end of a lease contract, they often have a large flow of ex-lease vehicles to sell. With remarketing, they can do this efficiently and at a good price.
2. Car dealers and garagesThey use remarketing channels to sell trade-ins or surplus inventory to traders or other businesses, and to buy vehicles for their used car stock when needed.
3. Rental companiesAfter a certain period, they want to refresh their fleet. Older rental cars are then sold through remarketing.
4. Corporate fleet managersThink of companies with their own vehicle fleet. When vehicles are written off or no longer needed, they’re sold via remarketing.
5. Traders and buyersThey use remarketing platforms to source vehicles quickly and efficiently, often in bulk or at competitive prices.
6. Finance and insurance companies In cases of damage, total loss, or repossession, vehicles are sold through remarketing. Think of salvage value sales via auctions or platforms like CarCollect.
7. ExportersFor exporters, remarketing is a smart way to source vehicles for markets outside the Netherlands, depending on demand and local regulations abroad.
Automotive remarketing is for anyone who works with used vehicles and wants to sell or source them smartly and quickly.
Why choose CarCollect?
This is why we stand out from other remarketing solutions:
- All-in-one B2B platform
From vehicle intake and valuation to processing and transport: everything is handled in one user-friendly platform. No hassle with separate tools or intermediaries. You stay in control.
- Wide reach = higher residual values
With thousands of active, verified buyers across Europe, we consistently deliver strong bids and maximum returns. Thanks to our closed bidding system, you get fair, competitive prices without external influence.
- Higher showroom conversion
A higher bid on a trade-in means you can offer your customer more. That increases the chance of closing the deal in the showroom and boosts customer satisfaction.
- Insight and transparency
Our real-time dashboard gives you immediate insight into bids, statuses and results. Everything is fully transparent. You decide which bids to accept, nothing is sold automatically.
- Extensive stock for buyers
Buyers get access to a massive and diverse supply: from ex-lease and ex-rental vehicles to trade-ins and Buy-Now deals. All from verified sellers across Europe.
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