BALTIMORE — Officials from VirtualCarBuyer.com recently launched a regional site for car buying, allowing consumers in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., to negotiate online with participating dealers.

Company officials explained that customers can visit the site, search through inventory and obtain an exact price of a vehicle that's guaranteed by the participating dealer. The initial process can be done anonymously to protect the interests of the customer.

"We are beginning to see the evolution of how consumers and dealers will interact and use the Internet," said Glen Gulyas chief operating officer for Auto Bid Systems. "We're committed to offer both dealers and consumers a better way to transact. When we do, everyone wins. Consumers save time and hassle. Dealers save money and offer a free, easy and convenient service for the customer.”

According to dealers, VirtualCarBuyer.com may be a good fit for customers who are not comfortable going to a dealership or have the time to negotiate.