Ford Retail is the latest dealer group to become recognised as SAF Approved by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA).

The addition of Ford Retail means that seven of the UK’s top 20 dealer groups are now SAF Approved.

The certification, which raises dealer staff knowledge on motor finance.

Paul Harrison, head of motor finance at the FLA, said:
“The Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) programme helps boost customer confidence in finance sold in showrooms by ensuring dealership staff have studied and passed a finance competence test. SAF-certification recognises the on-the-job training staff have received in selling finance and improves their overall finance knowledge for the benefit of car buyers.“

There are now 7,725 individuals registered for the online competence test, across more than 700 motor finance providers and retailers.

Alan Maloney, head of finance and Insurance at Ford Retail Group, said:
“I am delighted that all of our 42 UK dealerships, and Ford Retail as a group, are now SAF Approved.

"Providing our specialist business managers with training in complex aspects of business such as motor finance ensures they have the competence and skills to provide the best finance advice to our customers."