BCA strengthen multi-channel options for customers

BCA has strengthened its position as the leading multi-channel remarketing company with the acquisition of online-specialist JTK Automotive and the announcement of a new 20-acre facility in Perry Barr, Birmingham. Just last year, the company announced the purchase of UFD, the market leading inspections and logistics company.

JTK Automotive Ltd has been operating for over 6 years offering a range of remarketing products and services including inventory and channel management, affinity sales, E-auctions, wholesale and dealer exchange. The products and services combine to provide clients with integrated solutions to their remarketing needs. Existing key clients of JTK include Citroen, Fiat/Alfa-Romeo, BMW Group, and Toyota Financial Services.

Jim Kerr, Managing Director JTK commented “Combining with BCA is a very exciting development for all of us in JTK. Both BCA and JTK customers will benefit from the development of new and innovative remarketing solutions.”

The 20-acre Perry Barr facility is located between Junctions 6 and 7 of the M6 and planning permission is in place for auction use. The site will be developed as a multi-channel remarketing and logistics facility over a 12 to 15 month build project due for completion in Q3 2010.

The new facility will deliver physical and Live Online auctions as well as supporting BCA’s online services. It will link to BCA’s existing e-commerce platforms that offer the ultimate in stock selection and searching, bidding and buying and buyer communication, as well as flexibility in terms of branding and - as already widely used in BCA’s European network - language and currency.

The new site at Perry Barr will also offer a range of de-fleet, inspection, preparation, refurbishment and logistic services as well as digital imaging for online remarketing applications. Around 200 jobs will be created at the centre, ranging from technical, operational and administrative roles, to inspectors and vehicle preparation staff.

BCA CEO Jon Olsen commented “These new acquisitions are part of BCA’s blueprint for the future of vehicle remarketing and place this company at the very cutting edge of the industry, with market leading multi-channel capability. BCA means first class facilities across our pan-European network and a wide range of channels to market, supported by comprehensive logistics capacity and integrated bespoke technology solutions. All these components are aimed at delivering choice, service and value for money for all our customers.”

He added “BCA has a track record of investment, both historically and in recent years at Bedford, Farnham and UFD and now JTK and Perry Barr, which have enhanced the business, and the breadth and quality of services we deliver to our customers.”

Olsen concluded “Our key focus is to deliver first-class remarketing products and services for our customers. The additional acreage at Perry Barr will provide BCA with the space it requires to optimise its existing channels, as well as enabling it to leverage the investments made in JTK and UFD.”