The £2.4 billion turnover Retail Automotive Alliance has entered into a partnership with the British Credit Trust because of its expertise in sub-prime finance.

BCT, founded in 1908, has wide experience with Ford which binds members of the RAA together, though some of its members’ 200 dealerships hold other franchises.

Stephen Kenchington, BCT sales and marketing director, said: “Ford is one of our most popular brands, making the potential for growth even more significant.”

Marc Matthew, RAA chairman, said: “I am looking forward to making huge advancements in non-prime finance. This partnership will support dealership sales teams with an additional tool to covert more enquiries into vehicle sales.”

The RAA was formed to provide privately owned dealer groups with the combined buyer power of plcs such as Pendragon, Lookers and Inchcape.