MSN Carview, the international network of automotive websites, has gone live in four European markets and South Africa in the last six weeks, completing the first phase of an international expansion – plus agreed partnerships with three motor manufacturers.

The site was launched in Germany on September 10, then in Spain, Italy and France, followed by South Africa this week. In addition, in Italy Fiat has signed up as the preferred new car retail partner with its new Clickair online retail division. The German portal features content from Volkswagen and it also sponsors a 'mobility portal'. DaimlerChrysler South Africa has a news' service on Carview South Africa. Used car retail operation AutoScout24 has become the preferred used car partner in Spain and Italy.

Andrew Warner, MSN Carview marketing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “The focus now moves to our second phase of our roll out programme. The car industry is a global business and our aim is to create a global network of automotive sites that can meet the needs of national or international car companies. We'll do this with our partners. At the same time we will create useful consumer services available on our sites according to local market needs.”