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At this year’s Australian Automotive Dealer Association Convention & Expo we’re proud to be presenting a Used Car workshop that will deliver real Australian dealer-used vehicle data to help attendees make more informed stocking and disposal decisions. It will cover changes in resale values and used car prices, performance of various models and segments, and deliver insights into wholesale auctions from procurement and disposal perspectives. Additionally, it will provide the latest information on used electric vehicles and offer advice on maximising their value.

Attend our valuable workshop or visit us at stand #67 at the AADA Convention & Expo to find out how we can help you realise the value in your Used Car business.

Boost Used Car Profits with Data, Insights and Best Practices

Tuesday 22 July at 1:30 pm | Room - Plaza 1

Click here for more information

Buy or dispose of vehicles through our nationwide wholesale marketplace with weekly physical and online auctions.

Thousands of cars sold wholesale every month on behalf of government and private fleets, automotive OEMs, financiers, fleet management and dealers.

Additional nationwide support services including photography, inspection, rectification and transport available.

Cut through the information chaos with market-reflected valuations, KBB is a global pricing tool with over 90 years of history.

A live market view and vehicle valuations that allow you to optimise your used car pricing strategies.

Cognition collates industry data from the coalface, and uses it to generate insights of value for our customers, the broader automotive sector, general and specialist media, and industry events.

Cognition offers regular market reporting, and is available to provide specific, bespoke data and insights on request for stakeholders across the automotive ecosystem.

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At this year’s Australian Automotive Dealer Association Convention & Expo we’re proud to be presenting, not one, but two workshops where you can learn how successful dealerships are blending online and in person offerings through integrated, intelligent and AI bolstered omnichannel solutions and discover the most up-to-date used vehicle data including insights from the used EV market in Australia, as well as the US and UK, and understand how your dealership can leverage data from retail and wholesale markets to gain a competitive advantage.

Attend our valuable workshops or visit us at stand #52 at the AADA Convention & Expo to find out how we can help connect your business.

Blending online and in person experiences for sales and service success

Wednesday 24 July at 1:30pm

Click here for more information

Used car essentials and the emerging second hand EV market

Thursday 25 July at 10:30am

Click here for more information

Buy or dispose of vehicles through our nationwide wholesale marketplace with weekly physical and online auctions.

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Thousands of cars sold wholesale every month on behalf of government and private fleets, automotive OEMs, financiers, fleet management and dealers.

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Additional nationwide support services including photography, inspection, rectification and transport available.

Create the best aftersales experience and drive loyalty through the scalable Xtime service technology platform.

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Scheduling, customer reminders, check-in and quote generation, integrated with your dealer management system (DMS).

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Maximise retail and diagnostic hours based on technician skill set, and manage express service appointments to improve throughput.

Turbocharge your dealership’s lead management and convert enquiries into sales through engagement and follow-up.

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Centralised lead capture with real-time analytics, automated follow-up, and test drive or loan car management.

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Widespread DMS and finance platform integrations, captures valuable trade-in information, responds to online leads 24/7 with AI conversations.

Inventory management software that gives a bird’s eye view of your stock and helps streamline your advertising campaigns.

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Details, pricing and images can be edited from one single place in real-time. Redbook and Glass’s descriptions are accommodated.

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Select and update where your inventory is published, configure specials and campaign pricing, and automate withdrawal of in-demand stock from advertising websites.

Our websites are built to sell cars. Responsive, mobile-first, delivering a user-focused, search engine-optimised experience.

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Simple landing and showroom pages, national offers integration, downloadable brochures, high quality image assets and video banners, full vehicle spec displays.

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Capture and track leads, accept secure online payments or deposits, and provide rapid trade-in assessments to capture richer data.

Cut through the information chaos with market-reflected valuations, KBB is a global pricing tool with over 90 years of history.

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A live market view and vehicle valuations that allow you to optimise your used car pricing strategies.

The technology and connections you need to integrate your DMS with Australia’s major finance, insurance, and warranty providers.

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• LeadDriver centralises customer leads in one easy place, whatever their origin
• The software can handle test drive bookings and smarter valuations on your behalf
• LeadDriver can be configured with generative, conversational AI, enabling smarter conversations, and liberating your sales team to focus on delivering more conversions

Cox Automotive Australia (CAA), has launched LeadDriver, featuring an end-to-end lead management tool to help dealers support customers more efficiently and effectively.

LeadDriver offers must-have functionality for automotive dealers based in part on extensive feedback from existing CAA clientele, and furthermore offers the ability to incorporate advanced AI.

Designed specifically for the automotive industry, LeadDriver offers centralised lead capture, test drive and appraisal features, a seamless sales process, and reliable post-sales engagement.

It is designed to assist prospective car buyers while empowering busy dealer staff, freeing up time for building ongoing relationships and closing deals.

With LeadDriver’s AI integration the follow-up is automated, so it does not forget, while the ‘conversations’ use natural language and are highly responsive and intuitive. Using LeadDriver to its full extent is like taking on additional customer support staff who are on call, all the time.

It is vital today that dealers are ready to expand their capabilities in handling enquiries, given almost 40% come outside of regular working hours as customers conduct their research online.

“We’ve had all hands on deck over the last twelve months focusing on the development of LeadDriver, and the team has done an incredible job,” said Cox Automotive Australia Head of Product Gillian Allen, who leads the local team responsible for developing the software and handling the AI integration.

“We think the result is a product that will genuinely help our dealer partners thrive and empower their customers to research, find and buy a car on their terms and when it suits them best.”

Cox Automotive Australia CEO Stephen Lester said the LeadDriver launch was an example of the company’s ethos of continual improvement, and desire to stay at the forefront.

“I’m proud of our Australian team for developing this market-leading solution, which will help dealers and their teams to better meet the needs of their customers and ultimately convert more enquiries to sales. At the same time, LeadDriver offers retail buyers an improved customer experience and the ability to continue conversations with the Dealer at their own pace,” Mr Lester said.

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The 2024 nominees come from across the Australian automotive sector, with representatives from the dealer, OEM and educational sectors making the shortlist. 

The four finalists are: 

• Chelsea Bowers – Mechanic at John Edwards Automotive 
• Shai Copelin – Product Manager of Automotive at TAFE NSW 
• Blaire Race – National Marketing Manager at IVECO Trucks 

• Odette Winnington – National Head of People & Culture at Autopact 

This award is named for the late Barbara Cox, the business pioneer who was an owner and board of directors’ member of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company.  

The award recognises women who demonstrate business leadership and community advocacy, as well as a commitment to advancing our industry. Nominations are open to any woman working within the automotive industry across Australia.  

In addition to gaining recognition, the winner receives $5,000 to spend on her personal development. 

“It’s important to increase the recognition of the contributions of women in the automotive sector, which remains some way off when it comes to equal representation,” said Strategy and Marketing Director Mathew McAuley. 

HR Director Silvia Balovcikova added: “The four shortlisted finalists all amply demonstrate the qualities we were looking for in our candidates; inspiring leadership, a commitment to innovation and contributing to their industry and their communities”.  

The winner of the inaugural 2023 Barbara Cox Award was Eleni Mitakos, Founder of Galmatic, an organisation that runs car maintenance courses for women and teenagers. 

Cox Automotive Australia wishes the four finalists best of luck and will announce the winner on March 14.   

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This award’s namesake, the late Barbara Cox, served as director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company in the USA, and we’re proud to recognise her legacy and her significant contribution to the automotive industry.

The winner of the inaugural 2023 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award in Australia was Eleni Mitakos, Founder of Galmatic, an organisation that has been running car maintenance workshops and school incursions for girls since 2007.

The award is open to any woman involved in the Australian automotive industry. Nominations are open until 31st January 2024, and the winner, who will receive $5,000 to spend on her own personal development, will be announced during the week commencing 4th March 2024, to coincide with International Women’s Day.

If you’re ready to nominate, please fill in the form below.

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Cox Automotive Australia (CAA) is pleased to announce the promotion of Murray Naismith as Managing Director – Remarketing & Vehicle Solutions (RVS), starting on July 3.

Mr Naismith will oversee operations at Manheim auctions, the market leader in automotive and industrial remarketing, and Sellmycar.com.au, our public-facing car buying service powered by Kelley Blue Book valuations.

He replaces Charles Cumming, former Remarketing & Vehicle Solutions CEO who spent 22 years with CAA. Mr Naismith will report to Cox Automotive Australia CEO Stephen Lester.

Murray has been part of the CAA family since March 2018, serving as Chief Finance Officer. In his tenure has helped improve vital financial processes and systems; and led multiple acquisitions, divestments, and restructuring activities.

A strong leader with proven capability in building team culture, Murray will galvanise the RVS team members around a clear vision to ensure all parts of the business are aligned and have a clear understanding of how to work together to achieve overall success.

Given his previous role as CAA CFO, Murray has developed a deep operational understanding of the RVS business and the commercial factors that are the key success drivers for the company moving forward.

With more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Murray’s roles have seen him working in Australia and Singapore with responsibilities for Southeast Asia with OEMs, distributors and retailers across finance and operational roles, starting with Ford Australia and through the years, he has represented 10 OEMs in total.

As he steps into his new role, June saw Manheim re-commence its weekly physical used-vehicle wholesale auctions across Australia, open to the wider public and dealers alike, while retaining simulcast online bidding for those who prefer to bid remotely.

The first live auction in 2023 at Manheim’s Altona site in Melbourne drew a large crowd of bidders, with the day’s clearance rate 20 per cent higher than the past three-month average for online-only auctions.

The message is clear: an omnichannel approach that gives our customers the flexibility to inspect vehicles in-person during business hours, and then bid and buy either in-person or online, is the way Manheim will remain the market leader.

Manheim’s weekly passenger, SUV and commercial vehicle auctions include affordable and prestige cars; ex-government, business and rental fleet vehicles; and trade-ins. We also hold trucks, trailers, motorcycles, plant & equipment, machinery, recreational vehicles, and damaged vehicles.

We asked Murray how he feels about the new role and what he hopes to bring to it – he said:

“I’m excited to be given the opportunity to lead this amazing business and look forward to working with our customers as they seek to grow their businesses through innovation and technology solutions.”

“With a focus on the customer experience both in person and online, we will deliver on our vision of transforming the way people buy, sell, own and use vehicles.”

The post New Managing Director for Remarketing & Vehicle Solutions appeared first on Cox Automotive.

Jordan replaces outgoing CFO Murray Naismith, who has been promoted to a new role as Cox Automotive Australia (CAA) Managing Director – Remarketing & Vehicle Solutions, overseeing the Manheim and Sellmycar.com.au brands.

Mr. Lomax joined CAA as General Manager of Finance in July 2018, and in those five years, he has consistently demonstrated both dedication and financial management expertise, building a deep understanding of our diverse company and its financial operations.

Jordan’s proven track record of strategic financial planning, effective budget management, and insightful decision making has made a significant impact on CAA’s success.

As CFO, Jordan will assume a key leadership position in our CAA executive team, overseeing all aspects of our financial operations and commercial matters. He will report to Cox Automotive Australia CEO Stephen Lester.

Mr Lomax will provide strategic guidance and ensure the financial health of our company stays robust as we continue to navigate a dynamic and ever-changing automotive industry landscape and emerge bigger and stronger.

Cox Automotive Australia is part of the world’s largest automotive services organisation, Cox Automotive Inc, headquartered in the United States. Key aspects to the CAA business are our dealer-focused Retail & Data Solutions, and our Remarketing & Vehicle Solutions headlined by weekly in-person and online Manheim used-vehicle auctions.

With Jordan’s extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge of financial best practices, he will play an important role in the continued success and growth of CAA.

We asked Jordan how he feels about the new role and what he hopes to bring to it – he said:

“I’m thrilled to join the Cox Automotive executive leadership team at such a pivotal time in the company’s transformational journey. I look forward to helping Cox Automotive deliver on its growth ambitions and financial goals while fostering a can-do, collaborative and values-driven culture.”

“I hope to bring the commercial acumen and strategic mindset to the role and continue to work closely with the incredible finance team and talented business leaders.”

“On a personal level, the role gives me a chance to learn & grow and continue to challenge and innovate with new ideas.”

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Cox Automotive Australia, in partnership with Women in Automotive, presented its inaugural Barbara Cox Award to Eleni Mitakos at their ‘Women with Drive’ event, to celebrate International Women’s Day in Melbourne today. Eleni is the Founder of Galmatic, an organisation which runs car maintenance workshops and school incursions for girls and since 2007, has since taught and influenced over 1 million females.

Named after the late Barbara Cox – who served as director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company in the USA – the award aims to recognise and reward women who demonstrate a commitment to innovation, leadership, or community within the automotive sector. The award was open to any woman working within the automotive industry across Australia. In addition to gaining recognition across the industry, the winner also receives $5,000 to spend on her personal development.

The Award is proudly sponsored by Cox Automotive and Andrew Parry-Okeden, Barbara Cox’s grandson and Non-Executive Director of Cox Automotive Australia, is the local patron.

Eleni was selected as the winner of the award from over 25 quality nominations from all industry sectors and from all over the country. The judging panel had a difficult job selecting the short list of finalists and then an even tougher job to select the ultimate winner.

HR Director for Cox Automotive Australia, Silvia Balovcikova said, “The four shortlisted ladies should be tremendously proud of their achievements. They all amply demonstrate the qualities we were looking for in our candidates; inspiring leadership, a commitment to innovation and contributing to their industry and their communities. Congratulations to Eleni who impressed the judging panel with her drive and commitment to empower women and teenagers to equip themselves with life skills to ensure safe vehicle practices and maintenance since she established Galmatic in 2007”.

“As well as teaching students in her school programs, she also works with local councils to offer car maintenance workshops to women in the community. In conjunction with the NSW Education Department she was part of a pilot program ‘Driven to Succeed’ where Galmatic travelled through regional NSW and worked to expose regional girls to see the automotive industry as an apprenticeship option. Following this program there was an increase of 20% in the amount female apprenticeships taken up within the regions. The impact Eleni has made over the last 15 years is incredible and she is a truly worthy winner of the inaugural Barba Cox Award”.

The three finalists who also impressed the judges with the quality of their character, their achievements and their contribution to the industry, were Carolyn McMahon, Director at Honda Australia; Sandy Cikara, State Manager (WA, SA, NT, TAS, ACT) at mycar Australia; and Tayla McIlwain, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic at Ventura.

Silvia continued, “The Barbara Cox award is one way we’re showing our dedication to fairness, diversity, and inclusion in the automotive sector. Introducing Eleni Mitakos as the 2023 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year is an honour”.

Dr Imogen Reid, Manager of Women in Automotive, said: “Women in Automotive is proud to partner with Cox Automotive on this highly esteemed industry award; one that provides an opportunity to showcase the incredible, but often overlooked, contribution women make to the automotive industry – at all levels. It is so encouraging to see the award generate so many entries in its first year and we look forward to supporting the award and seeing how it grows in future years”.

Learn more about the Barbara Cox Women of the Year Award finalists

Carolyn McMahon – Director of Automotive

Honda Australia

Carolyn’s career started at Honda Australia as PA to the MD for Motorcycles and Power Equipment, moving around the business and to her current position as Director of Automotive and Board member of Honda Australia. She holds the most senior level role for a local female with the Honda Asian & Oceania region. She has exhibited unwavering dedication to the success of her teams and that of the company. In particular introducing programs that support women, champion pay equity and celebrate and mentor women in her business.

Sandy Cikara – State Manager WA, SA, NT, TAS and ACT

My Car Australia

Transferring from the retail and hospitality industries into automotive 11 years ago, Sandy has quickly made a mark at MyCar. Passionate about people and helping them to grow and be successful, Sandy sees what they do as more than just fixing cars. Internally she champions people from diverse backgrounds, particularly apprentices and females working in the industry. She absolutely prides herself and the company on understanding and then exceeding their customer’s needs.

Tayla Mcllwain – Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

Ventura

From a young age Tayla wanted to work on vehicles and how they function. She commenced an apprenticeship as a mature age apprentice at Ventura Bus Lines in Dandenong and was the first female apprentice mechanic at the time. She became the lead and face of Trades Women Australia – Workplace Diversity Project which allowed her encourage other women to pick up an automotive trade and highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workshop. As of January 2023 she is the first ever female qualified heavy vehicle mechanic at Ventura Bus lines and wants this achievement to lead the way for other female apprentices they now have in the workshop.

Press Enquiries

For press enquiries, please email us at caa.pressenquiries@coxautoinc.com

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Nominations are being sought for the coveted Barbara Cox “Woman of the Year” Award 2023, which is set to acknowledge and honour inspirational women in the Australian automotive industry.

Named after the late Barbara Cox – who served as director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company in the USA – the award aims to recognise and reward women who demonstrate a commitment to innovation, leadership, or community within the automotive sector.

The award is open to any woman working within the automotive industry across Australia. Nominations are now open until 15 February 2023, and the winner will be announced on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2023. In addition to gaining recognition across the industry, the winner will also receive $5,000 to spend on her own personal development.

The Award is proudly sponsored by Cox Automotive and Andrew Parry-Okeden, Barbara Cox’s grandson and Non-Executive Director of Cox Automotive Australia is the award’s local patron.

Andrew commented “I am thrilled that this long-standing award is making its way to Australia. My grandmother was passionate about this country and her competitive, yet generous nature solidified her connection with the Australian people. I’m sure her efforts in business, sport and life will inspire talented and motivated women to be nominated for the award, and I look forward to learning about the contributions these nominees have made in their community and the automotive industry.”

Dr Imogen Reid, Manager of Women in Automotive said: “Women in Automotive is proud to be partnering with Cox Automotive on this highly esteemed industry award – one that provides an opportunity to showcase the incredible, but often overlooked, contribution women make to the automotive industry – at all levels.”

Are you ready to nominate?

Nominations for the award should be entered via this link.

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