SMALL fleets are being promised large fleet discounts on vehicles from Chrysler Jeep through its membership of a growing internet-based business-to-business website run by banking giant Barclays.

Through BarclaysB2B, businesses buying cars will be offered discounts equivalent to a major fleet buyer on the full range of the manufacturer's products, from the Chrysler Neon to Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Chrysler Jeep is the first manufacturer to sign up to the online marketplace and claims it obtains significant savings by dealing direct with the customer.

When a customer orders a car through the site, Chrysler Jeep passes the order to the nearest dealership, which also provides the discount.

Confirmation of sale and of delivery details will be supplied within 24 hours or less, with customers being kept informed about the progress of their order via automated internet tracking. Delivery of vehicles will be arranged locally via 22 dealers throughout the UK.

Graham Powell, corporate sales manager of Chrysler Jeep, said the firm hoped to sell up to 100 vehicles through the site by the end of the year.

He added: 'As increasing numbers of companies meet their procurement needs online, it is important that we make our products available through new distribution channels, such as BarclaysB2B. We are confident this approach will add value for customers.'

B2B was unveiled by Barclays in April 2000 and has more than 160,000 products available in its marketplace, ranging from paper to mobile phones. Buyers signing up to the website - there are currently 7,200 - can compare supplier prices and tender online.

Last year, PricewaterhouseCoopers launched an internet-based marketplace promising fleets savings of up to 20% on the acquisition of services including car hire, car leasing and vehicles.