Sytner is set to spend “several million pounds” developing its internet motor retailing business after appointing Martin Runnacles as director of e-commerce.

The prestige dealer group already has a website, which is responsible for around 25% of its used car sales.

Mr Runnacles will work closely with Laurence Vaughan, Sytner group chief executive. His previous roles included marketing positions at BMW, Rover Group and Volvo, where he implemented e-commerce strategies.

Mr Vaughan said: “Already around 25% of our used car sales come from the internet of which a good proportion is incremental sales, and our website generates in excess of 25,000 user sessions a week.”