British carbuyers' anger at being charged more than their European neighbours was graphically illustrated yesterday when a website that helps customers to import cars from the continent said it has taken £7m of orders in the past two weeks.

Totalise Eurekar, a Leeds-based division of internet service provider Totalise, offers savings of up to 40% on UK prices. It said it had taken more than 400 orders since the end of March.

"The interest in our offer has been phenomenal and with all the publicity on the issue of car prices we are attracting more and more customers," said Peter Gregory, the chief executive. "The average UK dealer sells two cars every day. On that basis we will have sold more than a year's quota in just four weeks."

Mr Gregory expected Totalise to sell more than £100m of cars before the year end.

The figures were released two days after the competition commission said motorists were being overcharged by an average £1,100 for each new car. The trade and industry secretary, Stephen Byers, has pledged new measures to stimulate competition and bring down prices.

Totalise acts as an intermediary scouring recognised European dealers for the best prices. It handles VAT and administrative issues on behalf of the consumer and delivers to the customer's door. Green Flag motoring assistance inspects each car before it has been delivered.

Totalise's success contrasts with that of Vauxhall. The manufacturer offered special versions of its models for sale over the net for £1,000 less than usual, yet sold only 250 cars despite a high-profile advertising campaign.