May 2000: A new internet service for corporate vendors and professional dealers has been created with the aim of selling Europe's best used cars on the web. BCA Direct will initially operate in the UK before being rolled out to the rest of Europe.

Vendors, including manufacturers, leasing and daily rental companies and in-house fleets will be able to use the service to offer their vehicles on-line to dealers as part of their vehicle remarketing strategy.

BCA Direct will offer three main ways of transacting e-business via the web - fixed price 'instant purchase' available seven days a week, alongside regular electronic auctions and tenders. In addition a special 'pipeline stock' feature advising buyers of vehicles is also planned.

Buyers will enter the password-protected service to gain access to available vehicles. They can also search the stock locator and catalogues for specific makes and models, accessing detailed vehicle descriptions and model images and payment will also be conducted electronically.

The site will be restricted to vehicles in top-class condition with a full service history, younger than 40 months old and with fewer than 100,000km. The service will operate through BCA's website (www.bca-group.com).

  • BRITISH Car Auctions has launched a new pan-European service aimed at increasing residual values of cars. BCA Smart Prepared, which starts at about €97 for interior and exterior cleaning, is being offered at four BCA European sites – Heidenheim, Berlin and Dusseldorf in Germany and Vejle in Denmark. Operations will be launched later this year in Austria and Spain.
    Jurgen Meissner, who is based in Heidenheim, has been appointed European manager for BCA Smart Prepared.