Volkswagen specialist van centres are each investing around £500 towards set-up costs for the company's recently-launched used van programme. VW says 40 centres from the 90-strong network have signed up, with 10 more expected to follow suit within the next couple of months. They were chosen on size, facilities and location.

The Assured Used Vehicle Programme is expected to strengthen the VW brand in the used van sector, reinforcing residual values and increasing sales by offering buyers peace of mind. It is available on vans under four years old and with less than 100,000 miles.

Retailers carry out a rigorous internal/external inspection and rectify any problems. Each used van comes with a one-year warranty with unlimited mileage and one-year roadside assistance - believed to be unique in the sector. Peter Wyhinny, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, says: “We've always believed in our vans' performance beyond the first user and now we can guarantee a level of reliability and service.”

Meanwhile, VW has extended its sponsored car retailer scheme to the van network with the opening of a £2.5m centre in Birmingham. This approach is likely to be taken to help other van centres extend their dealership facilities to meet the Assured programme criteria.

The five-vehicle showroom and 12-bay workshop, which officially opens next month, will be controlled by managing director Chris Amery.