Suggesting the traditional car auction house has had its day is “nonsensical”, according to Bob Anderson, head of Scottish Motor Auctions.

He hit back after reports indicated that online car sales was the future of the industry and stressed that despite the much publicised economic downturn, business is booming, not declining.

“We’ve embraced the very latest technology and new working practices to further improve our service, but the truth is nothing will ever replace the exciting, cut and thrust, atmosphere of an auction room,” said Anderson. “To suggest otherwise is simply nonsensical.”