DESPITE a wealth of internet disposal and acquisition companies tempting fleets over the past few years, there has been little take-up by the industry.

When disposing of company cars, 46% of fleets simply return their vehicles to their contract hire company - several of whom have introduced online disposal services on their websites.

A further 21% return vehicles to their local dealer and 12% use auctions. In 5% of cases firms sell cars to staff and 1% sell cars back to their own head office.

The survey said: 'The internet has yet to feature as a method of sourcing company cars. It will be interesting to see if or when it will in future.

'This reflects the RAC Report on Motoring 2000, which found that the internet was used in 6% of car purchases among private and fleet drivers. However, it showed 54% of drivers used the internet in the car buying process and if this were translated into the company car market, the internet is likely to become of growing importance.'