Blackcircles.com

Leading internet tyre retailer Blackcircles.com is set to leave scorch marks on the £2billion UK car serving market this, with the launch of its new online servicing website this month.

The new venture allows motorists to book and pay for car servicing online and have it carried out at a choice of local, independent garages across the UK. It is the first of its kind to offer bespoke pricing based on the model, age and mileage of a vehicle, and can save motorists up to 60 per cent compared to big-brand dealerships.

The business takes advantage of the EU's Block Exemption Regulations which allow UK motorists to service their cars at independent garage without invalidating their manufacturers' warranty.

www.Blackcircles.com/servicing has been launched in partnership with leading European parts distributor Unipart, allowing the company's 1,000-strong independent garage network access to manufacturer-approved parts and data.

Mike Welch, founder and MD of Blackcircles.com, said: "We are moving into the vehicle servicing sector with the same innovative business model that has allowed Blackcircles.com to capture around £13 million of the UK tyre market.

"The EU lifted block exemption to clamp down on the selfish behaviour of manufacturers that forced motorists to go back to their dealers every time their vehicle needed servicing. Until now, independent garages have lacked sufficient voice to tell consumers that they have a choice - but we aim to change that.

"Unipart is a brand with real heritage and resonance within the vehicle aftermarket and this initiative will help to generate new revenue for independent garages and ultimately reduce the costs of running a car for UK motorists."

Blackcircles.com was launched in 2001 by Michael Welch (31) and has since grown to a turnover of £15 million and 300,000 customers.

Within the initiative Unipart will carry out a comprehensive audit process of all the IMT garages being directed work from Blackcircles.com.

In April, Blackcircles.com secured an exclusive deal with the RAC to sell tyres directly to the motoring club's 7 million members through a new online venture, RAC Tyres.