A web-based trading community for automotive parts and services has been created out of a management buy-out from HR Owen.

The new company Enabol, is headed by chief executive David Pugh-Jones, former divisional managing director with HR Owen which began the development work on the initiative, providing the seed capital.

Now Enabol is preparing for launch later this year. Key features are a real-time used car auction platform and a 'community' that will provide the motor industry with a source of products, from work clothes to warranties, parts to photocopy paper.

The target market is at present dealers, fleets and manufacturers, though there are plans to extend the service to vehicle owners.

Mr Pugh-Jones said: “We felt it important for the company to have its own independence and the move has been met positively by the groups and fleets who have committed to using Enabol's services.

“The organisation's development will be enhanced by a collaborative venture and we are talking to a number of potential partners from the industry, financial services organisations and manufacturers in the UK and abroad.”

Enabol's board and management team is headed by Graham Morris, formerly chief executive Rolls-Royce Cars.

Partners in the venture are BT Ignite and Commerce One, the business-to-business automotive procurement service provider, which Ford announced a 6% stake in in December.