Avis Europe is to launch an internet site in late summer to dispose of its ex-rental cars. The move could result in 12,000 nearly-new cars a year in the UK being offered direct to the public, rather than being channelled back through auctions and dealers.

The AA has also announced plans to sell used cars online, as part of owner Centrica's plans to diversify and broaden its range of services.

The Avis website will be developed as a joint venture with Navidec, an American online service provider which sells cars through driveoff.com. Avis has a 65% stake in the company.