EBay launches snap-and-buy motoring app

EBay has announced the launch of a new free motoring app that allows would-be buyers to photograph the vehicle of their dreams and identify it automatically.

The new eBay Motors app for iPhone, launched late last week in the app store, is a significant gear shift from the online marketplace, adding several handy new bits of functionality likely to boost interest from purchasers and take market share from established rivals such as AutoTrader.

Chief among the changes is a new vehicle-recognition function -- users can simply snap a picture of a car they like the look of and then search to find it on eBay, without typing.

Users will also be able to stream select automotive programs to the app, with the firm promising exclusive live broadcasts for those who download the free software.

The first show on offer will be 'World's Fastest Car Show,' a weekly video series hosted by World Champion and Le Mans winner Justin Bell.

Of course, alongside the new features, the app includes plenty of ways to search for both cars and parts that are listed on the auction site, as well as linking into the rest of eBay to manage non-automotive bidding and purchasing.

The app will compete with the bevy of apps released under the Auto Trader brand, which offer an international selection which has proved popular with users and are also geared towards car purchasing, offering extra features such as dealer searches.

Last year, AutoTrader.com released its first Android app -- the brand also makes its content available via a browser and on the iPhone.