Last week in Dallas, Cox Automotive gathered with independent auction partners to recognize standout performance across digital remarketing, flooring, and buyer confidence at the 17th annual Independent Auction Awards. 

The awards highlight how independent auctions continue to adapt—using digital tools, flexible financing, and buyer protection to keep inventory moving and buyers engaged in today’s wholesale market. 

This year also marked the introduction of new DealShield awards, recognizing auctions that are helping buyers shop with more confidence through added protection and transparency.

2026 Independent Auction Award Winners

DealShield 

  • DealShield Excellence Award: America’s Auto Auction Northern California 
  • DealShield Client Engagement Award: America’s Auto Auction El Paso 

OVE Performance 

  • Highest Commercial Sales Volume: Southern Auto Auction 
  • Highest Digital Mix: America’s Auto Auction San Antonio 
  • Highest Dealer Sales Volume: America’s Your Auction Tampa Bay 
  • Lowest Unbuy Rate: Orlando Longwood Auto Auction 
  • Highest Dealer Sales Growth: Greater Rockford Auto Auction 
  • Highest New Seller Growth: America’s Auto Auction Kansas City 
  • Highest Dealer Conversion Rate: South Florida Auto Auction 
  • Highest Conversion Rate (Total Sales): Norwalk Auto Auction 
  • Highest New Seller Growth – New Auction: United Auto Exchange 

NextGear Capital 

  • Highest Annual Flooring Volume: Orlando Longwood Auto Auction 
  • Largest Year‑Over‑Year Growth: Oakwood Arrow Auto Auction 

Industry Recognition 

  • Award for Industry Excellence: Dave Blake, Executive Director, Independent Auction Group 

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners—and to the independent auctions continuing to raise the bar for buyers and sellers across the wholesale marketplace.