Two-thirds of UK dealers are happy to buy cars on the internet, according to latest research in the UK. The report by PHRS for vehicle remarketer GRS suggested dealers are becoming increasingly confident buying vehicles from new channels.

Mike Pilkington, GRS sales and marketing director said: “Dealers are too busy to spend hours at the auctions every week and the attractions of non-traditional channels are obvious.”

Three in 10 new car sales in the US are expected by 2006 to be generated by the internet, according to research company Jupiter Media Matrix.

The survey found that 42% of visitors to car-related websites were most interested in detailed product information. The second most popular response was side-by-side comparisons (23%), followed by ratings and reviews from other consumers (9%).

The study concluded that buyers would search for the car and dealer online but then complete the purchase at the dealership.