General Motors, the largest of the US car and truck makers, announced this week that it was planning to launch a national online computerised shopping service in the first quarter of 1999, which would allow consumers to buy GM vehicles over the Internet.

The Detroit-based company has already been running a pilot programme in four states, including California. GM's move comes as internet-based purchases of vehicles is starting to catch on in the US. GM said the service would give consumers direct online access to GM dealer inventories and would also allow them to arrange test drives, or ask dealers to reserve specific vehicles.