Auto Trader has launched a new iPhone application that allows customers through a photo of a numberplate to locate and browse through vehicles from more than 5,000 auto dealers.

The new application - free to download - is designed to build a car profile from a single photo.

Users can take a picture of any number plate to view related make and model information, as well as statistics around that vehicle’s cost and performance.

Also, the iPhone application has GPS-based functions that allow users to search for information about vehicles and dealers based on their criteria and location, by accessing Auto Trader listings.

“In a matter of seconds, a user can be transported from seeing a suitable car on the roadside, to finding an identical model for sale nearby, and calling the owner for a test drive,” said Nick Gee, director of mobile at Auto Trader.

“Once our customers have used the application to create an image of their desired car, they then have the ability to instantly browse through the inventories of more than 5,000 dealers.”

> To see a demonstration of the app click here.