Peugeot to test Internet car sales

French car brand Peugeot, part of PSA/Peugeot-Citroen, plans to experiment with selling used cars over the Internet, while at the same time trying not to upset its dealer network.

Peugeot said today it would put about 100 of its small 107 models with sliding doors, in three special configurations, for sale on the www.vente-privee.com website.

The 107, launched in 2004, is Peugeot's super mini car that suffered from a slow sales.

Peugeot said it wanted to test the willingness of customers to spend big amounts over the Internet, but stressed it had no strategy to start more general online sales and that the sale did not compete with its dealers who sell new cars.

Vente-privee calls itself a private club that organizes online sales for its members at big discounts of 30 to 70 percent, compared with list prices.

It specializes in ready-to-wear fashion, games, sports articles and watches.

Payment is generally via bank card but Peugeot said it would demand a downpayment by check prior to delivery.