Ford’s all makes-all models, web-based service plan scheme has been revised.

The programme, branded Ford Protect Service Assure, enables their dealers to sell budgeted plans, based on customers paying a monthly direct debit over three years on new or used cars and commercials, with no interest payable.

QBE Insurance administers the scheme, which has been 18-months in development with six piloting dealers, including Vospers, Benfield, TC Harrison and Essex Ford.

Approximately 140 dealers are supporting Service Assure now which sees them able to set their own parts and labour pricing and manage upsell opportunities, typically MoTs.

Revisions to the initiative include the ability to carry-over a service contract if a customer changes their vehicle partway through agreement.

For a new-style Ford Fiesta customers are paying around £14 a month for a three-year service contract, based on 12,000 miles a year.

QBE head of sales and development Simon Fletcher said: “Service Assure is designed to stop the decline in retail service hours sold by establishing a focus on aftersales through a very attractive customer offer.”

Some 245,000 hours were lost in Ford’s retail network between 2006 and 2008.

A further 121,000 hours have been lost this year to July.