Ford retailers will get a new online authorisation system after the carmaker signed up to Epyx's 1link Service Network.

All Ford dealers will now switch from their Ford Fleet Service Manager software to 1link by the end of August. They will use 1link for online maintenance and payment authorisation as well as online booking for fleet customers.

Todd Zucker, fleet aftermarket manager at Ford, claims the link will allow retailers to boost efficiency and reduce administrative costs. “The option of online payment processing is something that we believe will be popular, and means that our franchised dealers will have fewer invoices rejected and be paid more promptly,” he says. Greg Connell, managing director at Epyx, adds: “This is significant because it means that we now have the backing of the largest player in the UK motor industry.”