* To protect the purchaser against defect in title * To provide access to an independent arbitration facility. * To have an easily identifiable procedure for handling of complaints. About the RMI Society of Motor Auctions (SMA) The RMI Society of Motor Auctions (SMA) represents auction companies of all sizes selling cars, commercial vehicles and off-road vehicles. Established in 1969, the SMA represents a broad mix of membership from the smaller family businesses to the larger national plcs. The SMA only accepts into membership financially viable companies which can provide evidence of sound and accepted trading practice. The SMA acts as a pressure group on behalf of the vehicle auction industry in general, and as a supplier of specialist services and advice to individual auction companies. It alerts customers to the benefits of buying or selling through SMA members who must adhere to the SMA’s Code of Practice and Customer Charter. SMA members are dedicated to providing a high standard of service to their customers whether corporate, trade or the motoring public, and to providing a safe and professional alternative for customers wishing to buy and sell, individually or in volume. The vehicle auction industry in the UK, and the wholesale function it provides, has been a major contributory factor to the success of the used vehicle market in this country. Auctions are a major source of quality used vehicles and provide an important barometer both of prices and of the underlying market supply and demand situation. Auctions provide ready access to large numbers of buyers for those wanting to sell, and ready access to large numbers of vehicles for those who want to buy. Importantly transactions through auctions are transparent, because auctions are accountable to both buyer and vendor. In excess of one million vehicles are sold through auction each year, including an estimated 60% of fleet cars. The use of auctions is on the increase and offers excellent opportunities both for fleets and the retail trade. The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMIF has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland. Motor Auctions The RMI Motor Auctions represents auction companies of all sizes selling cars, commercial vehicles and off-road vehicles. Established in 1969, the Motor Auctions joined the RMI in 1995. We represent a broad mix of membership from small family businesses to large national plcs. What We Do For You * Promote the auction sector to RMI members and the industry at large as the most effective way of converting vehicle assets into cash * Advise the public and the trade of the benefits of buying or selling through Society members * Represent members to Government, other trade bodies and external organisations * Ensure the highest standards of fair trading in the industry * Operate the Motor Auctions Code of Practice and Customer Charter * Operate a central register of information and alerts on fraudulent activity * Maintain and encourage active participation in the Society via the Society’s Council, Annual Conference and member working groups * Relationships with EurotaxGlass’s, CAP, Experian and HPI * Liaison with Trading Standards authorities, Citizens Advice Bureaux and other regulatory bodies * Full promotional support