Auto-online
Auto-Online is a software development company which created the 'Fleet to Street' channel, enabling vehicle fleet disposers to e-Retail their ex-fleet vehicles direct to the retail public over the internet. They now make the majority of their cars available through Carsite.
Business Model and History
Auto-online was launched in 1998 as a B2C offering. The new B2C (Fleet to Street) channel was initially tested with Hertz in 2003, then Inchcape and finally with the Bank of Scotland. Following the pilot, a number of major fleet disposers now utilise the channel.
It has developed at a steady pace and describes its vision as allowing the retail public to safely buy used cars online. This is now widely praised in the testimonial section of Carsite.
Auto-Online is a fully eBay compatible application. In 2007 ukautosite, Carsite's eBay shop, was awarded the eBay motor seller of the year award.
Auto-online have a team of in-house programmers who have specifically designed a fleet disposal system, enabling the process to be carried out electronically. This process is fully automated.
Press and External Comments
CAP, an independent body which values used cars said that Auto-online is "one of the most innovative and successful fleet disposals solutions launched in recent times."
Fleet News, a publication which deals exclusively with fleets and their disposal, described auto-online as a company "which provides web-based remarketing for fleets, remarketers, dealers, and manufacturers to sell cars to the public via fixed-price or interactive-bid auctions."