VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Lehigh Valley Auto Auction

Scott Dundore, a 35+ year automotive industry veteran, leads Deal Zone, a subsidiary of Lehigh Valley Auto Auction (LVAA) in Whitehall, PA — offering clients remarketing solutions on digital wholesale platforms like OVE, Smart Auction, and Pipeline.

Q. Scott, welcome! Could you provide a brief history of LVAA?
A. Lehigh Valley Auto Auction is an independently owned and operated business with over 30 years of operational experience. We have navigated numerous changes and challenges in the wholesale auction marketplace, and as a result, we are now better able to serve our dealer community. We have recently expanded our operations beyond traditional in-lane sales by developing a strong presence on various digital wholesale platforms. This strategic evolution led to the creation of Deal Zone, our dedicated “Dealer Digital Solutions” department.

Q. Tell us about how this adds value for your clients.
A. Our proprietary solution integrates with platforms like OVE, Smart Auction, and Pipeline to maximize exposure and streamline sales for dealers. In addition, Deal Zone corrects and enhances both Carfax and Auto Check reports through a service we call Condition Now. It’s been a welcome tool for our clients. Through our marketing partners, we create dynamic dealer websites, provide social media content, and run email and direct marketing campaigns. We take a customer-centric approach to getting our clients noticed, making them more competitive, and improving profitability.

Q. What distinguishes Lehigh Valley Auto Auction from other regional auto auctions?
A. Our state-of-the-art simulcast technology lets remote buyers bid in real-time alongside in-lane participants—a game-changer for accessibility. Our senior management team has over a century of combined experience and many strong, trusted relationships within the dealer community. We are committed to ensuring every buyer and seller feels like a valued member of our extended family.

Q. What types of vehicles and volumes go through your auction lanes, and who are your primary buyers and sellers?
A. Our auction lanes feature a diverse range of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, SUVs, campers, and motorcycles. We consistently run 300 units during our weekly-only sale on Wednesday evenings. Dealers who depend on wholesale auctions are our primary clientele, and our online sales have expanded our reach far beyond our geographical location.

We also host a weekly Public Auto Auction on Saturday mornings and consistently run 150 vehicles. Dealers should consider attending these events to check the market’s temperature and perhaps pick up some great deals. We attract both new and repeat buyers from surrounding states.

Q. What services or technology do you offer to help dealers be more efficient?
A. One of our key strengths is our team of CR writers, who conduct comprehensive inspections and provide clear, transparent disclosures for each vehicle. Additionally, we offer extensive imaging services, typically capturing around 42 high-quality images per unit, equipping dealers with detailed, accurate information to support their purchasing decisions. Our Condition Now service allows dealers to “listen” to the engine.

Q. How does your auction support new and used auto retailers in managing their inventory? As a valued member of Pennsylvania IADA, what initiatives would you like to see from the association?
A. At LVAA, we prioritize keeping our dealers informed about current market trends. Recognizing that aged inventory can pose significant challenges, we tailor our approach to each dealer’s unique operations. Our Aged Inventory Accelerator program helps dealers move aged units by marketing to the right digital buyers. We facilitate both in-lane sales and digital listings by coordinating with our CR writing team, ensuring that inventory is optimally presented across multiple platforms.

We support Pennsylvania IADA’s dealer and its ongoing efforts to promote ethical practices and consumer transparency. Your efforts and those of NIADA are critical to building consumer trust and achieving collective success in our industry.

Q. What measures have you implemented to ensure your clients a seamless and secure auction experience?
A. We strongly emphasize accuracy and transparency in representing each vehicle. Whether selling in-lane or via digital channels, we aim to instill confidence in our buyers by providing all the necessary details to make informed decisions. Dealers can experience this firsthand at our Wednesday night sales or explore our digital listings at lehighvalleyautoauction.com.

Q. What trends are you currently observing in the used car market in Pennsylvania?
A. At times, we have observed a tightening of inventory in the market. We have noted an increased interest in higher-priced vehicles within our digital division, Deal Zone. Our dealer inventory multi-platform marketing strategy has significantly influenced our sustained success.

Q. How has the supply and demand for used vehicles shifted this year, and what are your projections?
A. In our area, we have observed an upward trend in purchasing activity, with a noticeable increase in both returning and new buyers. Our digital initiatives continue to attract new dealer accounts, favoring our services over competitors. Based on these trends, we are confident that growth will continue throughout 2025.

Q. What challenges are dealers currently facing in today’s market?
A. Dealers often encounter competitive pricing challenges while ensuring a fair profit margin. In our digital auctions, we have facilitated numerous transactions that have sold above the MMR. Our team works diligently to source consignments that enable us to optimize pricing strategies and expedite sales.

Q. What are your expectations for the used car industry nationally, and is anything new on the horizon for LVAA?
A. While we anticipate overall growth in the used car industry nationally, we acknowledge that certain market segments may experience fluctuations. To adapt to these changes, we are strategically expanding our footprint both locally— through our in-lane sales—and nationally via our digital channels. We’re laser-focused on fostering growth in all areas of the market.