THE first of a planned chain of 20 indoor used car 'supermarkets' - selling mainly ex-fleet, leasing and rental vehicles - opened this week at Thurrock in Essex. The CarLand venture is being led by former Henly's motor division managing director John Tuke and looks set to compete with Car Group's Car Supermarket chain.

The first five-acre CarLand site opened on Monday, and there are already plans for 20 stores across the UK - each of which will have more than 500 cars available at any time, 300 of which will be displayed under cover. All vehicles on sale are up to five years old and priced between £4,000 and £25,000. Prices are non-negotiable, but include a package of warranties, breakdown assistance and insurance. CarLand plans to open up to 10 new sites this year, backed by investment of more than £25m during the first stage of development, and aims to sell between 120,000 and 150,000 cars a year within three years.

Tuke said: 'The used car market is one of the last true cottage industries and traditionally has had an untrustworthy image. We aim to turn it on its head by being customer driven and transforming it into a modern retail business.'