Autobytel UK today announced a link with the Automobile Association which chairman Kevin Turnbull described as "a most significant development for us". Visitors to www.theaa.com, who select 'new car sales', are connected to the Autobytel site.

Mr Turnbull said: "It gives us a connection to the AA's 11m members but it is impossible to give an accurate forecast of likely sales. Our research shows one in four people recognise Autobytel as a car buying brand unprompted which makes us optimistic." As part of the arrangement, buyers needing loans will use AA Financial Services instead of Alliance & Leicester, the usual Autobytel provider.

Autobytel now wanted to develop a range of business relationships, said Mr Turnbull. "There will be significant consolidation of the online car buying market because of price competition," he said.

"But we believe it will become a significant market - a few years ago hardly anyone believed people would buy a mortgage online."