According to Manheim, more than 2,000 buyers have logged onto its Simulcast live online broadcast of physical auction during the worst days of the winter so far.

Simulcast sales usually account for up to 25% of all vehicles sold at any one of Manheim's auctions but this week that number reached more than 50% for several auctions, as buyers throughout the country avoided travelling in the chaos caused by the recent snow.

Mike Pilkington, managing director, Manheim Remarketing said: 'It's at times like this that the convenience of Simulcast really comes into its own. Earlier this year it came to the rescue and has done so once again.

'It is now recognised throughout the industry as a well-established, trusted and reliable business tool that complements physical auction by bringing benefits to both buyers and sellers and has certainly kept the wheels of business turning during this period of extreme weather.'

BCA has also reported that its buyers are beating the snow by logging onto Live Online and its two new online services – Bid Now and Buy Now – and bidding for vehicles over the internet.

BCA's Tony Gannon commented: 'We have seen big spikes in internet buyer numbers over the past few days. Live Online buyers typically account for around 18% of the sold vehicles at BCA and this has risen to average over 23% nationwide, with some centres reaching 50% or more.'

Figures also jumped for the Bid Now and Buy Now services. Vehicle viewing and bid numbers rose sharply as the snow fell, with the daily Bid Now sale (4.00pm to 6.00pm) recording a 38% uplift in bidding activity.

Mr Gannon added: 'With the severe weather already affecting travel in much of the country, BCA today mailed over 7,000 buyers reminding them they can bid online with BCA. We expect to be seeing even more activity from internet buyers via our online channels in the days ahead.'