Almost 400 dealerships have been recognised by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) as having improved standards and knowledge on car finance.

About 7,000 staff from almost 900 dealerships have registered for the online specialist automotive finance (SAF) competence test, with many more in the pipeline.

It focuses on improving knowledge and professionalism on car finance products and regulation.

SAF is the sector’s programme to win more point-of sale finance from high street and specialist lenders. Dealers gaining ‘approved’ status display the SAF logo in showrooms.

A dealership can apply for SAF Approved once all customer-facing staff involved in the sale or provision of information on finance have passed the SAF test.

They also needs to adhere to FLA best practice on treating finance customers fairly.