Used car retailer Network Q has linked up with a scentologist to produce a scent that apparently mimics the smell of a new car.

As part of this initiative, Network Q will be piloting the use of the 'new car scents' in a number of its forecourts.

From the end of August, all Network Q cars stocked in participating outlets will be pumped with the new scent when purchased, supported with a new car scent freshener to maintain the smell.

Network Q's scentologist Sarah Harrop, who was involved in the development of the new scent says: 'We've been pre-conditioned to have certain assumptions of what a car should smell like when we drive off in it for the very first time. In the short space of time in which a person decides whether they like the car, the smell plays a big part in whether they 'bond' with the vehicle and can be a small but important factor when it comes to buying.'