Internet-based new car supplier Showroom4cars.com has moved into profit, after only sixteen months of trading. Following a refurbishment of the site in June, the number of quotes per day handled has increased by more than 300%. In the last three months, profitability has more than doubled.

Reasons given by the retailer for the increase in the number of site hits and successful quotes include the fact that the site makeover has made it easier for prospective customers to compare prices between in-stock and factory order cars. Additionally, the revised site provides users with an increased 'comfort factor' by charging in sterling for all transactions. This eliminates the hassle of needing to consider exchange rate fluctuations when calculating the best time to convert currency. Equally, customers only pay for their vehicle upon delivery to their drive, and following an inspection.

Showroom4cars.com also stresses that it visits European suppliers, to negotiate the best possible discounts on bulk purchases of vehicles, and to secure consistency of supply. The company has also taken steps to implement an analysis of its specific customer base, enabling it to focus on the exact wants and needs of its buyer profile. This allows Showroom4cars.com to source makes, models and specifications that will be of particular interest to its customers, and to guarantee the shortest delivery times, by forward ordering popular vehicles.

In revising the site, Showroom4cars.com has taken the opportunity to incorporate a powerful new search facility, enabling prospective buyers to choose between in-stock cars or factory order vehicles. In-stock cars are available either for immediate delivery or on minimal back order, usually within one week.

The site's offering has been augmented by strategic partnerships negotiated with key specialist suppliers. As an example, in partnership with Tesco Personal Finance, Showroom4cars.com is offering a 5% discount on all motor insurance arranged through the site, together with a comprehensive quotation facility, to provide surfers with an instant insurance quote on the vehicle of their choice.

Finance for new vehicle purchases can be arranged directly from the site's home page. In conjunction with the Co-Operative Bank, Showroom4cars.com is offering loans from an APR of only 8.4%, a special offer that is augmented by a year's free breakdown cover, if the personal loan is arranged through Showroom4cars.com. Additionally, Gomotorfinance.com supplies hire purchase and personal contract purchase facilities, with rates ranging from 9.9% APR.

Showroom4cars.com has also launched Driver Assist, its own branded breakdown cover and warranty service.

Tony Butterfield, internet strategist at Showroom4cars.com, said: "By giving our prospective customers the ability to search for their ideal vehicle using simple drop down menus, we have streamlined the complete Showroom4cars.com browsing process.

"We perceive this as one of the major factors that has contributed to our early profitability, and to the significant increases in hits and successful quotes provided by the site.

"In addition, the forging of preferred partnerships with some of the major insurance and finance providers allows us to offer a far greater breadth of facilities than any other on-line new car supplier. This combination of ease of use and wide-ranging capabilities turns Showroom4cars.com into the only place you need to bookmark for all your motoring needs."