Zenith Vehicle Contracts, of Calverley, has linked up with an online business called Autoquake. As a leasing company, Zenith disposes of thousands of cars a year that have reached the end of their lease period.

In the past cars have gone direct to auction or to dealers.

But it saw huge potential in Autoquake's business when it was approached by them.

Encouraging

So for the last seven months it has been selling an average of 50 cars a month on eBay via Autoquake.

Results have been encouraging with prices fetching 4-5 per cent above traditional auction prices.

Each car for sale has a comprehensive description and is accompanied by 70 photographs, detailing every scratch and blemish.

Each car undergoes a thorough check and prospective buyers can even test-drive them at Autoquake's three drop-in sites, one of which is in Leeds.

Mark Phillips, Zenith finance director, said: "The web is definitely the way ahead for a firm like ours. It gives us the chance to sell to a nationwide market."