Cars Recon, which provides vehicle remarketing services in the US, is branching into the UK sector with the launch of a new company.

Kay Hudson, managing director of Cars Recon

Dubbed International Vehicle Services, the business will provide similar services to its US parent, including valeting, mechanical inspections and repairs, smart repairs, condition inspections using NAMA grading, and safety consulting. Services will be targeted at end-user fleets as well as well as leasing firms, dealers and OEMs.

Kay Hudson, managing director of Cars Recon, is currently putting the structure for the UK company in place, including partners and suppliers, and commented: “As a business, we actually have strong links with the UK. Our president and CEO, Ron Hope, spent time as a director of British Car Auctions in the 1990s and 2000s. It was always his intention to expand the Cars Recon philosophy into the UK and we are pleased to be in a position to make that plan a reality.”

Hudson continued: “While there are differences between the operation of UK and US auctions, the fundamentals are the same and our service proposition will be very similar.

“Essentially, our core commitment is that we will treat every vehicle that passes through our hands with the same level of care and expertise, whether a brand-new supercar or a 12-year-old hatchback.

“In a UK market where ready-to-retail is becoming an ever more important mantra in the used car sector, we believe that there will be a strong demand for our services. It is all about fixed costs, high quality and meeting deadlines.”

IVS has already joined the National Association of Motor Auctions and the Vehicle Remarketing Association in the UK, and will be based at the City Auction Group site in Rockingham, Northamptonshire with plans to eventually move to its own offices.

Hudson added: “It is our intention to become part of the fabric of the UK remarketing industry and getting involved in trade organisations in this way is important.

“We are well advanced in our set-up plans and will be able to announce our first UK deals very soon.”For more of the latest industry news, click here.