Three leasing companies - CLM Fleet Management, Inchcape Fleet Solutions and Volkswagen Financial Services – are now using the 1link ecommerce disposal network to sell on their ex-fleet vehicles online direct to dealers.

“The platform was launched two years ago but has really begun to gain momentum in the last few months as the recession has prompted fleets to look for new ways to handle vehicle disposal,” said epyx, the company behind the 1link range of e-commerce platforms.

Ken Trinder, head of business development at epyx, explained: “The development of 1link network very closely matches how 1link Service Network grew a few years ago.

"That platform gradually gained momentum following its launch but then began to reach a position of critical mass where it became backed by almost the entire industry.

"Today, it is in use by fleets totalling more than two million vehicles buying service and maintenance from 12,000 franchise dealers, independent garages and fast fit centres.”

He said that the fall in used car and van prices during 2008 had seen many fleets trying new disposal techniques such as 1link.