Volvo hopes an offer of free vehicle checks will drive owners back to its franchised network.

The free safety inspection, worth £56, checks the car’s mechanical components, critical computers and control units.

All Volvo drivers with a car built after 1991 are invited into the network of 200 Volvo workshops before December 31.

Volvo is promoting its network's ability to carry out software upgrades through the VIDA (Volvo Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales) system, which is linked to its Swedish headquarters.

Owners of pre-1999 Volvos can participate in the safety inspection but will not benefit from the VIDA check as it is not appropriate for their car.