Ford has confirmed it is working on a counter offer to Vauxhall’s lifetime warranty.

Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain managing director, told AM: “The market research we’ve seen is that for less established brands entering the market, a longer warranty is a good idea to help boost consumer confidence.

“We’re in a different position though as we’re already a trusted brand. With these longer warranties there is a link with people staying within the dealer network for longer and that’s something I want to encourage.”

Ford is often looked at as a benchmark for product and pricing in the volume retail sector and the industry has been waiting to see how it would react to Vauxhall’s warranty offer across its new and Network Q cars.

Sharp said: “It’s something that we’d like to do, but the offer has got to make sense. We’re not going to rush into anything. It’s definitely a live subject for us and as always, we have a strong desire to be market leader.”