KISS Auto Auction, a new online auction site serving used car dealers in Michigan, will be announcing industry awards at its launch celebration on May 16 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.

KISS was founded by Larry White, a veteran of Michigan auto industry, and Jeff Stanislow, who has more than a decade of experience in technology and the Web.

The Las Vegas-style launch celebration is the first of what will be regularly recurring activities sponsored by KISS for auto dealers in Michigan.

The awards will be given to outstanding individuals in Michigan’s used car industry and include: Emerging Leader of the Year, Used Car Manager of the Year, Industry Lifetime Achievement Award and General Manager of the Year.

The KISSAutoAuction.com Web site currently boasts 150 qualified pre-registrants from Michigan-based used car dealers for the launch celebration as well as 50 customers signed up to use the service, with more anticipated.

“We are meeting and exceeding expectations for KISS Auto Auction metrics at this point,” White said. “This unique, Internet-based used car auction concept has been well received by my colleagues in the industry, and I expect we will announce many more customers and partners at the launch event.”

Detroit Lions defensive lineman Cory Redding will participate and sign autographs for attendees. In addition, V98.7 FM, Detroit’s home for Smooth Jazz, will broadcast live from the KISS Auto Auction launch. The celebration takes place from 6:30 p.m. to midnight on May 16 at the Rock Financial Showplace. Attendance is limited to Michigan’s used car dealers and requires pre-registration.

See www.KISSAutoAuction.com for more details.