Dealer warranty provider National Dealer Services is predicting a 100% increase in sales over the next year as it aims to forge links with larger dealer groups and national accounts.

The Berkshire-based company, which is a trade arm for Warranty Direct, is also targeting further growth of its online aftermarket warranty and customer retention programme, Dealer Warranty Direct.

To help achieve this growth, NDS recently appointed Keith Pipe, previously head of Peugeot’s Approved Warranty Scheme, as general manager. He heads a seven-strong national sales force, which provides independent and franchised dealers with a range of extended warranties and self-funded dealer guarantee programmes.

“There is an increasing need for dealers, both independent and franchised, to harness innovative solutions that ultimately create customer retention and improve profitability. It’s all about engaging with the customer base,” says Pipe.

Following the implementation of the FSA regulations, the company launched Dealer Warranty Direct as a simple to use, compliancy-friendly online sales and administration tool for all warranty related products and services. Pipe describes initial take-up as “phenomenal”.

Dealers using the system can provide buyers with a policy that provides a pre-sales check, 12-month warranty, minimum 14-day exchange policy and added value cover including MoT, tyres, batteries, car jacking, accident management and roadside assistance.