Virgin Cars, launched in 2000 by Sir Richard Branson with the promise of revolutionizing the way cars are sold, has ceased trading.

The online site has stopped taking orders for new and used cars and vans, although the company said it will continue to provide existing customers with support, and that any existing customer orders will be completed and processed as normal.

At launch Sir Richard predicted sales of 24,000 new cars in its first year. "That should double or even treble in year two," Branson predicted as he announced average savings of around 17%.

In 2003, the company's only physical dealership was opened in Salford, Manchester. This outlet has also closed and new buyers are being directed to DC Cook Direct.