DIXON Motors has joined forces with Direct Line to launch a new car buying and selling website, which will target fleets as key customers. Direct Line Group became the latest company to announce the launch of its own car buying website last month with a project in which it is investing £50 million.

Dixon Motors has agreed to be the driving force behind the site, by putting details of some of the 70,000 vehicles it sells each year through its forecourt network onto the as yet unnamed website. Oliver Prill, e-commerce managing director at Direct Line, said: 'By 2005, we anticipate that 15% of total car sales will come from the internet and we will be a leading web player. The fit between Direct Line and Dixon Motors is ideal for buying and selling cars online. Together we have a unique. Together we have a unique combination of our core competencies.'

The initiative will combine Direct Line's brand, call centres and 3 million customer base with Dixon Motors car retailing, preparation and delivery operations. Cars will be distributed directly from the Dixon Distribution facility to any location in the UK, by-passing the dealership network. The distribution facility was opened in December 1999 offering a dedicated automotive preparation and distribution centre, which is located on 26 acres of land near Doncaster.