Citroën UK has launched a pilot scheme throughout its network allowing customers to return a new car if they lose their job.

Called Citroën Secure and included in all new finance agreements administered through the carmaker’s financial services arm, the offer has been running throughout March and could be extended to the end of April.

The offer is available on any new car in the Citroën range and the customer can return the vehicle if they lose their job at any point during the finance agreement. 

James Parfett, Citroën Financial Services’ sales director, said: “Dealers have reacted positively to this and we’ve seen a lot of
point of sale activity to promote it and the use of direct mail and local newspaper advertising.”

But has it led to an increase in sales? “That is the million dollar question,” he said. 

“We know of customers who have said this has made a difference to their purchasing decision. 

“Citroën Secure is a tool to help close a deal, to help a customer overcome a common nagging doubt about their job security.”

Parfett said he could not forecast how many cars
could be returned, but the scheme is covered by an insurance policy.

Citroën Secure is being offered as complementary to two main finance offers: the 5.9% PCP Elect 3 and Citroën’s 0% finance offer.

It is also available on standard HP instalment credit retail contracts. 

The terms of the deal include the buyer having to be in full-time employment with the same employer for six months and the vehicle cannot be returned within 60 days of the start of the agreement.

“We believe the longer a customer has the car the less likely they are to bring it back, even if they lose their job,” said Parfett.