Vauxhall says its new retailer management learning and development programme will set ‘a mandatory gold standard’ for senior managers.

Due to go live in January, with targets to be achieved by 2015, the scheme is mapped to the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) management accreditation.

The aim is to optimise performance, profit and employee engagement throughout the 260-strong retail network.

Two routes will be available: a ‘walk-up’ route, where managers attend all curriculum modules, and a ‘gap analysis’ route.

Chris Roberts, Vauxhall’s retail network development director, commented. “Our managers are a valuable commodity and we want them to have the skills to build and retain the strongest teams.”

Steve Nash, IMI chief executive, added: “Vauxhall is at the forefront of raising the standards and availability of leadership training in the automotive sector.

“They are leading the motor industry in terms of management development thanks to a learning and development programme that has the quality assurance and credibility of being linked to IMI Accreditation.”