Stratstone, Listers, Robins & Day and Agnew are the latest dealer groups to achieve SAF Approved status under the Finance & Leasing Association’s (FLA’s) Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) initiative.

Two thirds of the top 20 UK dealer groups are now SAF Approved.

The inclusion of training on the Consumer Credit Directive in the SAF reference material and free online test has helped create a surge in demand from dealers for SAF.

The FLA introduced a CCD training module to support industry compliance and help dealers prepare for the new legal requirements which come into effect by 1 February 2011. The training has been praised by senior professionals in the motor industry.

Thanks to the recent spike in interest, there are now almost 1,000 showrooms registered on the SAF Approved ‘dealer directory’ (www.FinancingYourCar.org.uk) which enables car buyers to seek out expert advice on finance from their nearest SAF Approved showroom.

Paul Harrison, head of motor finance at the FLA, said: “We are delighted that the Stratstone, Listers, Robins & Day and Agnew groups have all used SAF to train their staff and increase the standard of motor finance knowledge in their showrooms. More and more dealers have recognised the benefits SAF can bring to their businesses.

“There has been a marked increase in commitment from the big UK dealer groups to raise the bar on the standard of service that they are offering customers on motor finance. I think we can expect to see more of the major dealer groups reach SAF Approved status in the coming months.”

James Brearley, managing director of Stratstone, said: "The provision of finance products is a highly important part of our business and ensuring that our people offer the best advice is essential, we are grateful to the FLA for their help and assistance in gaining the qualification for all of our advisors."