Manheim has acquired the landing gear imaging technology of Synthetik Applied Technologies, the auction house said Monday.
Manheim partnered with Synthetik in 2022 to install nearly 40 landing gear imaging devices across its 26 auctions and capture approximately 500,000 images.
These devices are fixed to the ground and take digital photos of the vehicle’s undercarriage as the vehicle drives by.
The company says the technology will allow for faster, more consistent landing gear inspections.
A spokesperson confirmed that Manheim will continue to use the devices in and out of its Fyusion-based fixed imaging tunnels. For example, some locations may use these devices during vehicle registration.
A spokesperson confirmed that the company did not acquire the entire Synthetik company, only the imaging technology.
“The purchase of Synthetik’s chassis imaging technology, in addition to Fyusion’s best-in-class imaging technology, is an important step in Manheim’s journey to provide customers with the most comprehensive view of their vehicle in the industry,” said President of Inventory Solutions, Cox Automotive, which includes Manheim Grace Huang said, in a press release.
“These investments will increase buyers’ trust, consistency and transparency about the condition of their vehicles, enabling them to make more informed purchasing decisions.”
Zach Hallowell, Senior Vice President of Manheim Digital, added: “The future of vehicle imaging is now. As we continue to deploy our fixed imaging tunnels, the combination of chassis images and photos that capture virtually every angle will give customers what they want. A full 360° exterior picture of the vehicle being purchased; this view is unrivaled in the wholesale industry.”
Terms of the purchase were not disclosed, but a spokesperson said: “This is part of Manheim’s ongoing investment to provide customers with the most comprehensive view of vehicles in the industry.”
