Manheim is to launch a new website called Carmony aimed at consumers to help drive footfall to retail dealer showrooms.

The new website is being headed up by managing director Samantha Bedford, previously MD of dating website Match.com.

Carmony.co.uk matches vehicles to fit a customer’s lifestyle.

The website only lists approved vehicles from dealers and manufacturers and has the functionality to provide side-by-side comparisons on different vehicles, giving users key information on vehicle running costs and green score ratings.

Bedford said: “We said in December that 2009 would be the ‘year of the used car’ and our new car finder service is going to revolutionise the way that private motorists can search for the used car of their choice.

“Amidst all of the general media-driven negativity, raising awareness of the current value in the market is absolutely key. It would be very easy for consumers just to sit tight, without realising that this is actually a really great time to change their cars.”