Auto Trader is to exploit the popularity of its website to compile data on car buyers which it will make available to dealers and manufacturers through its Trend Report 2002, due to be published in August.

The move follows a drink driving survey on the Auto Trader website, which attracted nearly 30,000 users when it was launched in December. Because of the response, a succession of internet polls has been planned this year – the first will look into car buyer habits.

The autotrader.co.uk website receives nearly 6.3m searches a month.

Meanwhile, automotive e-business specialist CarPriceCheck has joined forces with the BBC's internet division Beeb Ventures to launch a new car locator facility.

The new service called 'Top Gear best price' offers data on more than 3,700 UK specification models. It will feature on the www.beeb.com website with an audience exceeding 3m unique visitors a month.

CarPriceCheck chief executive Steve Evans said the deal extended the market reach for the company's partners, including Reg Vardy, Pendragon, Oneswoop and Virgin Cars.

“Not only does this relationship further consolidate and help build our market, but it will provide access to a wider and more focused consumer audience who are using the internet to search for their next car,” he said.