Some of the UK's largest franchised dealer groups are behind a new online business aimed at promoting their used car offerings.

Trusteddealers.co.uk will offer the public access to quality used cars from franchised dealers only.

The project was initially conceived by Ken Savage from Perrys and Lookers’ Peter Jones with Robert Forrester of Bristol Street Motors joining them on the board.

The business is run by former Motors.co.uk executives Neil Addley and Andrew Dyson, with the site designed by company Denison Automotive.

Its business model is similar to that of propery website Rightmove.co.uk, in that dealers advertising on it will become equal owners of the business, paying a one-off membership fee.

They will be rewarded by rebates of profits as the business grows, and further profits will be re-invested into the website and its marketing to help grow market share.

Addley said: “We felt there was a real gap in the market for dealers to collaborate and, in the first instance, work with other media. This starts with a site where consumers can safely buy from a large selection of reliable used cars but has significant potential beyond that."

The website will promote the benefits of buying from a franchised dealer. Dealers sign up to the ‘10 Point Difference’ – a guarantee that each car advertised has undergone a number of checks and quality assurances, including mileage and provenance, PDI, minimum three months MoT and warranty.

It already has the backing of regional and national car dealers including Arnold Clark, Bristol Street, Caffyns, Cambria, Camden Ventures, Cooperative Motor Group, Drive Motor Group, Ford Retail, Jardine, JCT600, Johnsons, Lookers, Marshall, Pendragon, Perrys, Ridgeway and Wayside.