INTERNET service providers proved one of the biggest attractions at the show, with many companies making their first appearance - and even launching at the show - finding themselves in big demand. Many are reporting a high level of familiarity among the sector of what the internet can provide and one of the markets being tapped heavily is in car buying and disposal, promoted by companies such as AutoRespond, availablecar.com and Autohit.

Sarah Spare, Autohit marketing services manager, said: 'Since we launched last year we have contracts with 440 independent and franchised dealers, and a total of 36,000 customers. We operate as an information provider on the car market. All the fleet managers we've spoken to at the show are fully clued up on the internet.' Autohit provides a web-based vehicle marketing tool, showcasing vehicles, including photographs, specification, price, reviews and road tests, part-exchange values, insurance premiums and details of financial packages.

Daren Wallington, national sales manager for AutoRespond, said his service enabled the sale of 40,000 vehicles since its launch at the beginning of this year. 'No matter how you look at it, the internet is the future,' he said. Availablecar.com was launched at the show. As part of an affinity brand of T2 Logistics, the web-based service for ordering cars online means every vehicle can be delivered to the customer in seven days, fully prepared and with a insurance-backed comprehensive guarantee.