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BacklotCars

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uuid0000fwg

Namestring
BacklotCars
Websiteurl
backlotcars.com
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2014
Descriptiontext

BacklotCars (operating today under the OPENLANE brand) runs a B2B wholesale vehicle marketplace that lets auto dealers, auto finance companies, and rental car companies transact without attending physical auctions. The platform surfaces thousands of vehicles at every age, condition, and price point, spanning fresh dealer trades to exclusive first-access off-lease inventory, and serves vehicle dealers as the primary customer segment in a horizontal go-to-market approach. Distribution is a self-serve digital marketplace — dealers sign in at backlotcars.com and complete transactions directly through the platform, consistent with a product-led growth motion.

The company's core technology is an AI-powered vehicle inspection stack centered on audio analysis: every dealer vehicle listing includes high-quality engine recordings with AI-generated highlights flagging potential issues, and the system provides sample "normal" recordings for comparison on over 95% of vehicles when an issue is detected. This audio anomaly-detection capability is positioned as the platform's principal technical differentiator against conventional wholesale auctions, which historically require in-person inspection.

BacklotCars monetizes via transaction commissions on wholesale vehicles bought and sold through the marketplace; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company was founded in 2014 in Kansas City, currently reports 51–100 employees, and has raised approximately $37.8 million across four disclosed funding rounds between 2015 and 2019, led sequentially by 500 Global, Moatable, Origin Ventures, and Stripes. Recent artifacts indicate the entity now operates as a doing-business-as of OPENLANE, with the backlotcars.com URL rebranded to the OPENLANE marketplace experience.

Short descriptiontext

BacklotCars operates a self-serve B2B wholesale vehicle marketplace that lets auto dealers, auto finance, and rental car companies transact remotely, with AI-analyzed engine audio on every listing to flag potential issues.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
251–500
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersKansas City, United States
HQ citystring
Kansas City
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Keyword5 values
wholesale vehicle marketplace, dealer auto auctions, AI vehicle inspection, off-lease vehicle sales, dealer inventory sourcing
Industry1 code
1Dealer-to-Dealer (B2B) Vehicle Remarketing Networks
CodeTLABAKABPrimaryYes
NAICS code1 code
  • Used Car Dealers441120
SIC code1 code
  • Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies5010
Product category
Wholesale Vehicle Marketplace
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model1 record
1Vehicle Marketplace Commission
TypeMarketplace Commission
Description

Platform facilitates wholesale vehicle transactions between dealers, earning transaction fees or commissions on vehicle sales through the marketplace.

backlotcars.com
Marketing channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components4 values
Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeDigital Commerce or Conte…
Digital Commerce or Content
Core offering1 text field

BacklotCars operates a digital wholesale vehicle marketplace (under the OPENLANE brand) where auto dealers, auto finance companies, and rental car companies can browse and purchase thousands of vehicles across all ages, conditions, and price points without attending physical auctions. The platform differentiates itself with AI-analyzed engine recordings on every dealer vehicle, including automated issue highlighting and sample normal-recording comparisons for over 95% of vehicles when an issue is detected.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 2 values shown
  • AI-powered engine analysis with issue detection available on every dealer vehicle
+1 more record
Product overview1 text field

OPENLANE is a wholesale vehicle marketplace platform that connects dealers with vehicles across various ages, conditions, and price points. The platform features AI-analyzed engine recordings on dealer vehicles, enabling buyers to assess vehicle conditions remotely before purchase.

Product and service1 record
1OPENLANE Wholesale Vehicle Marketplace
CategoryWholesale vehicle marketplace
Description

Self-serve digital wholesale vehicle marketplace enabling auto dealers, auto finance companies, and rental car companies to browse and purchase thousands of vehicles across ages, conditions, and price points without attending physical auctions. Listings include AI-analyzed engine recordings with automated issue highlights on every dealer vehicle.

Scale indicator2 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight4 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
1ACV Auctions
TypeDirect peer
Description

Operates a digital B2B wholesale auto auction platform serving franchised and independent dealers, with vehicle inspection centers and condition reports — the closest direct competitor to BacklotCars' dealer-to-dealer marketplace model.

2Manheim (Cox Automotive)
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Largest US auto auction operator with physical lanes and an online platform (Manheim Express, Simulcast). Competes head-on in dealer-to-dealer remarketing but as part of a much broader Cox Automotive portfolio.

3TradeRev
TypeDirect peer
Description

Digital dealer-to-dealer auction platform with mobile appraisal tools, focused on same-day wholesale transactions. Highly comparable in GTM motion and dealer customer base to BacklotCars.

4OPENLANE (formerly KAR Auction Services)
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

BacklotCars' parent platform and one of the largest US wholesale vehicle remarketing operators. Operates both physical and digital auction channels; BacklotCars is the dealer-focused sub-brand within this portfolio.

5EBlock
TypeEmerging player
Description

Cloud-based dealer-to-dealer and dealer-only auction platform with live online simulcast and appraisal tools. Direct competitor in the digital dealer wholesale space with a growing US footprint.

6Copart
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Largest online salvage and used vehicle auction company. While primarily salvage-focused, it overlaps with BacklotCars in the broader online wholesale remarketing category and is increasingly moving into running vehicles.

7IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions / RB Global)
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Operates physical and online auctions for insurance-driven total-loss and salvage vehicles. Now part of RB Global; competes in the online wholesale auto auction market with extensive inspection infrastructure.

8CarsArrive
TypeRegional player
Description

Provides finished vehicle logistics and transport for the wholesale auto industry; adjacent rather than direct, but serves many of the same dealer customers and interacts with the same wholesale ecosystem.

9Manheim Express
TypeEmerging player
Description

Cox Automotive's digital wholesale offering focused on self-serve dealer-to-dealer transactions. Overlaps with BacklotCars' online self-serve model within the broader Manheim/Cox portfolio.

10AutoIMS
TypeOthers
Description

Provides inventory management and workflow software for wholesale auto auctions and dealers. A technology enabler in the dealer-to-dealer remarketing ecosystem rather than a direct marketplace competitor.

Market position
Strengths4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat4 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI capability2 records

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature1 record

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles3 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds4 records

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors15 records

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

BacklotCars

Wholesale Vehicle Marketplacebacklotcars.com

BacklotCars operates a self-serve B2B wholesale vehicle marketplace that lets auto dealers, auto finance, and rental car companies transact remotely, with AI-analyzed engine audio on every listing to flag potential issues.

What BacklotCars does

BacklotCars (operating today under the OPENLANE brand) runs a B2B wholesale vehicle marketplace that lets auto dealers, auto finance companies, and rental car companies transact without attending physical auctions. The platform surfaces thousands of vehicles at every age, condition, and price point, spanning fresh dealer trades to exclusive first-access off-lease inventory, and serves vehicle dealers as the primary customer segment in a horizontal go-to-market approach. Distribution is a self-serve digital marketplace — dealers sign in at backlotcars.com and complete transactions directly through the platform, consistent with a product-led growth motion.

The company's core technology is an AI-powered vehicle inspection stack centered on audio analysis: every dealer vehicle listing includes high-quality engine recordings with AI-generated highlights flagging potential issues, and the system provides sample "normal" recordings for comparison on over 95% of vehicles when an issue is detected. This audio anomaly-detection capability is positioned as the platform's principal technical differentiator against conventional wholesale auctions, which historically require in-person inspection.

BacklotCars monetizes via transaction commissions on wholesale vehicles bought and sold through the marketplace; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company was founded in 2014 in Kansas City, currently reports 51–100 employees, and has raised approximately $37.8 million across four disclosed funding rounds between 2015 and 2019, led sequentially by 500 Global, Moatable, Origin Ventures, and Stripes. Recent artifacts indicate the entity now operates as a doing-business-as of OPENLANE, with the backlotcars.com URL rebranded to the OPENLANE marketplace experience.

BacklotCars firmographics

Firmographics
Name
BacklotCars
Website
https://backlotcars.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
2014
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
251–500 employees
Short description
BacklotCars operates a self-serve B2B wholesale vehicle marketplace that lets auto dealers, auto finance, and rental car companies transact remotely, with AI-analyzed engine audio on every listing to flag potential issues.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

BacklotCars industry classification

Industry
Product category
Wholesale Vehicle Marketplace
NAICS
Used Car Dealers (441120)
SIC
Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies (5010)
akta.pro primary industry
Dealer-to-Dealer (B2B) Vehicle Remarketing Networks (TLABAKAB)

Keywords

  • Wholesale vehicle marketplace
  • Dealer auto auctions
  • AI vehicle inspection
  • Off-lease vehicle sales
  • Dealer inventory sourcing

Where BacklotCars is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Kansas City
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Markets served

BacklotCars business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Digital Commerce or Content
Cost components
Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

  1. Vehicle Marketplace Commission: Platform facilitates wholesale vehicle transactions between dealers, earning transaction fees or commissions on vehicle sales through the marketplace.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels1 record

BacklotCars product offering

Product offering

Core offering

BacklotCars operates a digital wholesale vehicle marketplace (under the OPENLANE brand) where auto dealers, auto finance companies, and rental car companies can browse and purchase thousands of vehicles across all ages, conditions, and price points without attending physical auctions. The platform differentiates itself with AI-analyzed engine recordings on every dealer vehicle, including automated issue highlighting and sample normal-recording comparisons for over 95% of vehicles when an issue is detected.

Product overview

OPENLANE is a wholesale vehicle marketplace platform that connects dealers with vehicles across various ages, conditions, and price points. The platform features AI-analyzed engine recordings on dealer vehicles, enabling buyers to assess vehicle conditions remotely before purchase.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • OPENLANE Wholesale Vehicle Marketplace Self-serve digital wholesale vehicle marketplace enabling auto dealers, auto finance companies, and rental car companies to browse and purchase thousands of vehicles across ages, conditions, and price points without attending physical auctions. Listings include AI-analyzed engine recordings with automated issue highlights on every dealer vehicle.

Quantifiable outcome

  • AI-powered engine analysis with issue detection available on every dealer vehicle
  • +1 more outcomes

Companies that use BacklotCars

Customer profile

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

BacklotCars technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature1 record

BacklotCars partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

BacklotCars competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • ACV Auctions: Operates a digital B2B wholesale auto auction platform serving franchised and independent dealers, with vehicle inspection centers and condition reports — the closest direct competitor to BacklotCars' dealer-to-dealer marketplace model.
  • TradeRev: Digital dealer-to-dealer auction platform with mobile appraisal tools, focused on same-day wholesale transactions. Highly comparable in GTM motion and dealer customer base to BacklotCars.

Broad incumbents

  • Manheim (Cox Automotive): Largest US auto auction operator with physical lanes and an online platform (Manheim Express, Simulcast). Competes head-on in dealer-to-dealer remarketing but as part of a much broader Cox Automotive portfolio.
  • OPENLANE (formerly KAR Auction Services): BacklotCars' parent platform and one of the largest US wholesale vehicle remarketing operators. Operates both physical and digital auction channels; BacklotCars is the dealer-focused sub-brand within this portfolio.
  • Copart: Largest online salvage and used vehicle auction company. While primarily salvage-focused, it overlaps with BacklotCars in the broader online wholesale remarketing category and is increasingly moving into running vehicles.
  • IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions / RB Global): Operates physical and online auctions for insurance-driven total-loss and salvage vehicles. Now part of RB Global; competes in the online wholesale auto auction market with extensive inspection infrastructure.

Emerging players

  • EBlock: Cloud-based dealer-to-dealer and dealer-only auction platform with live online simulcast and appraisal tools. Direct competitor in the digital dealer wholesale space with a growing US footprint.
  • Manheim Express: Cox Automotive's digital wholesale offering focused on self-serve dealer-to-dealer transactions. Overlaps with BacklotCars' online self-serve model within the broader Manheim/Cox portfolio.

Regional players

  • CarsArrive: Provides finished vehicle logistics and transport for the wholesale auto industry; adjacent rather than direct, but serves many of the same dealer customers and interacts with the same wholesale ecosystem.

Others

  • AutoIMS: Provides inventory management and workflow software for wholesale auto auctions and dealers. A technology enabler in the dealer-to-dealer remarketing ecosystem rather than a direct marketplace competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

BacklotCars social profiles

Digital presence

BacklotCars financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

BacklotCars leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

BacklotCars funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors15 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

BacklotCars M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BacklotCars

What does BacklotCars do?

BacklotCars operates a digital wholesale vehicle marketplace (under the OPENLANE brand) where auto dealers, auto finance companies, and rental car companies can browse and purchase thousands of vehicles across all ages, conditions, and price points without attending physical auctions. The platform differentiates itself with AI-analyzed engine recordings on every dealer vehicle, including automated issue highlighting and sample normal-recording comparisons for over 95% of vehicles when an issue is detected.

When was BacklotCars founded?

BacklotCars was founded in 2014. It employs 251 to 500 people.

Where is BacklotCars based?

BacklotCars is headquartered in Kansas City, United States, in the North America region.

How does BacklotCars make money?

One revenue line is on record: vehicle Marketplace Commission.

Who are BacklotCars's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are ACV Auctions and TradeRev. Broad incumbents are Manheim (Cox Automotive), OPENLANE (formerly KAR Auction Services), Copart and IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions / RB Global). Emerging players are EBlock and Manheim Express. CarsArrive is listed as a regional player. AutoIMS is listed as an others.

Does BacklotCars have an API?

No public API is recorded for BacklotCars.

What industry is BacklotCars in?

BacklotCars's product category is Wholesale Vehicle Marketplace. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLABAKAB, Dealer-to-Dealer (B2B) Vehicle Remarketing Networks. Its NAICS code is 441120 and its SIC code is 5010.

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Live signals
PR NewswireKAR Global Launches Enhanced Condition Reports for BacklotCarsKAR Global has launched enhanced condition reports on its BacklotCars wholesale used vehicle platform, developed in collaboration with technology consultancy Thoughtworks, incorporating new features such as engine audio recordings. The updated inspection framework combines and streamlines the best elements from both BacklotCars and CARWAVE inspection systems to provide more consistent, accurate and transparent vehicle condition information for dealers. The companies state the enhanced reports aim to improve the wholesale buying experience by simulating aspects of seeing and hearing a vehicle in person.StartlandnewsReimagined Lightwell ready to take innovation hub mantle as KC’s tech talent return to the officeSomeraRoad has completed the renovation of the Lightwell building in downtown Kansas City, repositioning it as a central innovation hub for the local tech sector. The facility now hosts key tenants including the KC Tech Council and startups such as PayIt and BacklotCars, aiming to attract talent returning to the office after pandemic-era remote work.PR NewswireBacklotCars and TradeRev Combine To Form Streamlined Dealer-to-Dealer MarketplaceKAR Auction Services (KAR Global) announced it is combining its TradeRev and BacklotCars dealer-to-dealer vehicle marketplace platforms into a single digital marketplace, with U.S. dealers migrating to BacklotCars and Canadian dealers continuing exclusively on TradeRev. The consolidation, which began several weeks ago, creates a unified platform featuring inventory from thousands of franchise and independent dealers nationwide, with nearly 80% of inventory sold to dealers outside the seller's local market. The company selected BacklotCars based on its accelerated growth and superior performance in conversion, price retention, and customer satisfaction, and will integrate select TradeRev features into BacklotCars over the coming months.PR NewswireKAR to Deepen Digital Capabilities With Acquisition of BacklotCarsKAR Auction Services, Inc. (d/b/a KAR Global) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BacklotCars Inc. for $425 million, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. BacklotCars operates an app and web-based dealer-to-dealer wholesale platform featuring a 24/7 bid-ask marketplace and comprehensive vehicle inspections across 46 states. The acquisition is expected to close before year-end 2020 and will diversify KAR's digital capabilities while accelerating its strategy to become a leading digital dealer-to-dealer marketplace provider.CBT NewsTips to Use Online Auctions to Find Used Car InventoryA Car Biz Today guide outlines three steps for dealers to use online auto auctions: audit current inventory, create a detailed buying plan, and select a platform. It profiles four sites — ACV Auctions, BackLot Cars, Manheim Express and TradeRev — noting vehicle volumes, inspection features, financing and arbitration options.FinSMEsBacklotCars Raises $25M in Series B FundingBacklotCars, a Kansas City-based online wholesale automotive marketplace, raised $25M in Series B funding led by Stripes, bringing total funding to $38M. The company will use the funds to expand its geographic presence, and in 2018 it expanded its footprint by over 500%.VC News DailyBacklotCars Raises $25M in Series BBacklotCars announced the closing of a $25 million Series B funding round led by Stripes, bringing its total capital raised to $38 million. The company intends to use the funds to expand its online wholesale automotive marketplace and continue disrupting the sector. Existing investors including Origin Ventures and the Pritzker Group also participated in this latest round.FinSMEsBacklotCars Raises $18M in FundingBacklotCars raised $8M in Series A funding and $10M in an expanded credit facility, led by Origin Ventures. The Kansas City-based used car marketplace has expanded into new states, adding hundreds of dealers monthly, with annualized transaction volume exceeding $100M.PR NewswireBacklotCars Announces $8 Million In Series A FundingBacklotCars, a Kansas City-based online used car marketplace for automotive dealers, announced $8 million in Series A funding with an additional $10 million in an expanded credit facility, with the round led by Origin Ventures. The company has expanded into more than 18 states in two years and reports transaction volume surpassing $100 million on an annualized basis with thousands of dealers on its platform. BacklotCars plans to use the capital to continue its national expansion and add new features to its transportation network and financing programs.VC News DailyBacklotCars Announces $8M in Series ABacklotCars, an online used car marketplace for automotive dealers, announced $8 million in Series A funding and a $10 million expanded credit facility. The funding was led by Origin Ventures and participation from other investors, supporting the company's growth and market expansion.