The used car e-commerce platform Carmus has expanded its business area by acquiring the online car selling division of AutoHub Selka, enabling a platform where both buying and selling of used cars can be conducted.
Carmus completed the acquisition of AutoHub Selka’s online car selling division on the 1st, valuing the extensive network, infrastructure, and used car distribution know-how of AutoHub Selka. This enhancement aims to strengthen Carmus’s car selling service and improve consumer convenience.
The ‘Carmus Car Selling’ service allows customers to schedule visits from professional vehicle appraisers at their preferred time and location. After evaluating the vehicle directly, the car can be sold at the highest confirmed bid through online auction. Carmus handles all processes, from basic vehicle inspections to online competitive bidding, payment, and delivery, alleviating the inconveniences faced by customers in direct used car sales, such as dealer negotiations and on-site depreciation.
Moreover, in September, Carmus introduced a new car selling service that enhanced consumer benefits. The service became the first in the used car industry to introduce an ‘instant sale price’ feature, allowing the auction to close immediately when a bid matching the desired price is placed, streamlining the sales process. Additionally, the online auction service, previously limited to five hours after vehicle appraisal, has been extended to 48 hours post-evaluation completion, allowing consumers to sell their vehicles quickly at the desired price without on-site depreciation.
CEO An In-seong of Handle stated, “We acquired the AutoHub Selka online car selling division to transform into a comprehensive used car e-commerce platform. Through the enhancement of the ‘Carmus Car Selling’ service, we aim to foster a transparent and accurate used car trading culture and ensure that many consumers can sell their vehicles at the highest price without concerns about on-site depreciation.”
Meanwhile, Carmus secured 3 billion KRW in pre-Series A investment from Hankook Tire in March, recognizing the innovation of the Carmus service. Additionally, it has obtained a patent for its independently developed ‘Real Product Verification System’ to fundamentally prevent false listings.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr