BRITISH Car Auctions has launched a new text-messaging service for customers aimed at giving them up-to-the-minute information on sales.

The SMS Messaging service will promote sales and deliver live catalogue updates to customers who have registered for the service.

Customers can specify criteria to filter the updates they receive, such as vehicle type and vendor source and can specify locations on BCA's network. As BCA's sales programmes and catalogues are updated by the company's networked auction solutions, the SMS technology automatically contacts customers whose specifications tally with those of the sale.

A two-way messaging service means customers can then text back requesting details such as a sales catalogue, or to pre-register for closed sales.

Tony Gannon, BCA group sales and marketing director, said: 'One of the most effective ways of building relationships with our key buyers is to ensure they have the most accurate information possible delivered to them in a manner that suits most buyers' requirements.'