What are the two basic types of auto auctions?

The correct choice highlights the distinction between wholesale and public auctions. In the context of auto auctions, wholesale auctions are typically reserved for dealers and allow them to buy and sell vehicles in bulk to increase their inventory. These auctions center around professional dealers who have the expertise and resources to assess vehicle values quickly, making transactions more efficient. On the other hand, public auctions are open to the general public, giving individual buyers the opportunity to participate and access a wider range of vehicles directly. This segment allows private individuals to bid on cars, often leading to competitive pricing due to the increased number of potential buyers.

While other categories such as private and government auctions exist, they are not as commonly referenced in the auto auction industry. Online and live auctions represent formats rather than types, as both can occur in wholesale or public environments. Thus, the distinction lies primarily in the nature of the participants and the purpose of the auction.