According to the company's research, by using e-procurement and electronic tracking of vehicles in the order pipeline, it is possible to generate savings through reduced acquisition and administration costs, improved productivity, fewer errors and increased efficiencies.

In fact, Ebbon-Dacs' data shows that buyers who use new e-procurement technologies are achieving savings in the region of 10-15% on new vehicle orders compared to contemporaries who rely on yesterday’s technologies.

Currently, 10 of the UK’s 15 largest contract hire and leasing companies who between them supply and manage over 590,000 company vehicles use Leaselink to source and buy their new vehicles.

It is also viable for fleet managers who operate large outright purchase fleets and are buying new vehicles in sufficient volumes to capitalise from the savings that the system creates.

The Leaselink trading platform creates a buying community of leading motor manufacturers and over 700 franchised dealers who respond to tenders from major fleet buyers on a daily basis. It forms the vital electronic link to allow buyers to source the most cost effective vehicles and track their progress online through to delivery via a unique intuitive interface that is specifically designed for ease of use.

Ebbon-Dacs' managing director, Rob Pilkington, elaborated on the benefits: 'Leaselink has been proven to increase efficiency, raise productivity, broaden capacity, reduce errors and save money. Buyers achieve better prices and service levels, while dealers can handle and execute a much greater number of enquiries.

'Leaselink and e-procurement really is the 21st century method of fleet buying. Anything else is playing catch-up,' added Mr Pilkington.