FLEETS using a new internet service from Cars Direct can become their own auctioneers, slashing costs and reducing administration time, the group has claimed.

Sales can be operated from anywhere in the UK, with vehicle information and photographs downloaded on to the firm's website. Fleets are then able to sell vehicles directly without transporting them to the auction site.

Roger Woodward, managing director at Cars Direct, said: 'Pressures on remarketing managers are growing and financial directors are on to them about the cost of disposals and residual values.

'The service allows leasing companies to become their own auctioneers, with us charging so much per car. Leasing firms will be able to host their own sales using our software.'

LeasePlan is already using the service to remarket part of its fleet and currently has two sales a month. However, there are plans to host a weekly sale from next year.

The new product is based on Cars Direct's online bidding service launched earlier this year (Fleet NewsNet May 22) but unlike the bidding service, it can be hosted on any company website, enabling fleets to decide the time of auction.

Woodward added: 'We have witnessed a growing trend by leasing companies to sell de-fleeted stock direct to the trade rather than using traditional re-marketing routes. Our internet service will allow re-marketing managers the freedom to host their own auctions to sell products direct to the trade.'

Cars Direct has also announced plans to transfer its Fixed Price Stock Locator operation to its head office in Northamptonshire. Woodward said: 'We are moving the operation to Corby, where we have a much bigger site and access to land.'

The group is also rolling out the Fixed Price Locator service to consumers. There will be no price differential between dealer and consumer prices, but the service will only be available locally at first.