Saab dealers have made a deal with Cars Direct, the online auction company, to provide an online programme for its contract hire needs.

Thirty approved Saab dealers attended the launch and demonstration of the Cars Direct Saab Contract Hire Direct (SCHD) programme this month.

SCHD is an exclusive scheme offered through Cars Direct, allowing approved Saab dealers to search the database of vehicles, and purchase Saab Contract Hire stock without visiting physical auctions.

All Saab dealers get first choice on the Saab contract hire stock, online viewing of all vehicle condition reports; a 57 point pre-sale safety check; delivery options and refurbishment options.

Roger Woodward, managing director of Cars Direct, said: "It acts as a virtual showroom for the Saab dealers.

"If they receive a request from a customer for a make or model which they don't currently have on their forecourt, they can simply search the website for the model requested, and have the car ready for the customer within 48 hours of confirmed payment."

And for the convenience of all Saab dealers, being online means that SCHD is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at just the click of a button.

Saab dealers should log on to www.cars-direct.ltd.uk/sch for more information.