PSA Group's acquisition of repair price comparison website Autobutler will see its own network of franchised dealers in the UK directly compete on the service with independents for repair work.

PSA has acquired a controlling stake in Autobutler but said it will remain as an "independent business".

Customers can use Autobutler for free to post their servicing job to the website’s network of independent and franchised dealer garages. The customer is then given three quotes to choose from. Quotes can be chosen based on the fastest, lowest priced or highest rated garages.

A spokesman for Peugeot UK said: "We're not going to change Autobutler's business model. Customers of that service will be given a free and transparent choice to choose the garage they want based on merit - the best garage will win the quote."

While franchised dealers across the UK are already in direct competition with the independent repair sector, Peugeot and Citroen's parent company has invested in a business that will fuel that competition for business further. 

A statement from PSA Group said the Autobutler acquisition was made as part of its "multi-brand aftermarket offering" as part of its Push to Pass strategic plan.

Autobutler currently operates in the UK, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Customers enter their registration details and then pick what work they want to be done. This includes bodywork, brakes, clutch, exhaust, servicing or timing belt replacement. Customers also give their post code and email address.

Autobutler launched in 2010 and has provided quotes for over 300,000 customers across its market areas.

A statement from PSA Group said: “This type of service meets new needs from customers, who are increasingly turning to the Internet to compare prices and services before entrusting their vehicle to a garage.”

Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon, chief financial officer of the PSA Group, said Autobutler would help “shake up existing paradigms” and help adjust the business to better meet the needs of customers.