FLEETS will see a massive boom in e-trading in the next year, a leading motor industry IT specialist has claimed, as tougher economic conditions force many suppliers to cut costs by using the web.

Greg Connell, managing director of IT solutions company Epyx, said: 'When times are good, even the best companies carry a little fat and cost reduction is not seen as crucial. But the prospect of a recession focuses the corporate mind sharply on minimising costs.

'For industries like the motor industry, where the adoption of e-trading has been relatively slow over the last few years, the potential for savings is enormous.'

Epyx has set itself the target of seeing 100,000 cars ordered through its internet car ordering system 1Link in 2002.

Connell added: 'The adoption of 1Link is now well underway at both major dealer groups and their large fleet customers, so it is an aim we believe is very realistic.'