B2b online vehicle sourcing outfit Ecom Auto Auctions has launched Ecom Direct, a timed auction service. It is designed to fill a niche in the market for competitively priced vehicles from fleets and hire companies.

Ecom Direct, which will sit alongside the company's existing online service, will display cars for a limited time, typically set at between six and 10 hours.

Dealers will receive a faxed or e-mailed stock list prior to the auction containing vehicle details – they attend the auction by logging onto the www.ecomautoauctions.com website.

Tony Brand, Ecom Auto Auctions managing director, said: “By operating regular timed auctions in addition to Ecom's 24 hours a day operation, we are offering dealers a complete package of solutions for their sourcing needs.”