Car seller aims to reconcile VW to the Net

Online car vendor, Autobytel has claimed it can persuade car maker, Volkswagen (VW) to change its mind about selling cars over the Net.

VW hit the headlines last week after the leaking of a letter it sent to its dealerships forbidding them to deal with online car selling Web sites. One of those named in the letter was Autobytel.

Kevin Turnbull, CEO of Autobytel, told Silicon.com that the two companies are now holding talks. He said he is optimistic about persuading VW to reverse its ban.

Turnbull said: "We are looking to set up a meeting with VW in the next few months. We see that as an opportunity to set the facts right. We're convinced they've got it wrong and we are also convinced we'll be working together in the future."

But VW's UK director, Robin Wilcock, was less upbeat. He said: "It's unlikely that we will work together," although he said he is prepared to listen to Autobytel, and confirmed that a meeting is being arranged.

Turnbull said Autobytel's US chiefs were shocked when they heard of VW's strong stance against online car sellers. "It seems to be a UK phenomenon, as Autobytel in the states has an excellent working relationship with VW," he said. Wilcock claimed there are differences between the two markets, but would not explain exactly what they are.