Automotive e-business specialist, Autohit plc has confirmed that it will shortly announce a series of strategic partnerships with blue chip financial institutions and leading online service providers looking to capitalise on the growing number of car buyers using the internet.

Autohit is nearing completion of an 'own label' version of its CarPriceCheck online search engine for a number of internet service providers and portals.

"The success of CarPriceCheck.com not only astounded us, but we have found ourselves in the enviable position of operating a tool that appealed to companies looking to enhance their status as a source of pro-consumer content in the post-Block Exemption new car landscape," said Steve Evans, CEO of Autohit plc.

"The new version includes a revenue stream that will not impinge on the impartial status of the CarPriceCheck for the consumer."

Autohit is also about to launch an 'intelligent' new research tool for the used car market currently codenamed LTO (Locate to Order), which will allow lenders to move beyond selling finance to a more proactive role in helping consumers locate their ideal used car. The solution allows lenders to promote their products to a captive audience using a more compelling proposal than APR alone. Again, 'own-label' versions of the facility are being offered and Autohit are in discussions with one major lender regarding an exclusive license to use the technology.

"We have been looking at ways lenders can actively leverage their product range via a medium that promotes a pro-consumer benefit," said Evans. "LTO radically alters the way the market currently promotes the internet as the ideal medium to find a used car. And, as with all our products, it provides a critical solution for both the business and consumer communities."

The company is also in discussions to expand its CarPriceCheck.com facility into other leading European car markets. Details of LTO will be announced at a later date.