Ford has launched a new Peace of Mind finance plan that offers customers a six-month payment holiday to help new car and van buyers offset the impact of the CODID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain managing director, said that Ford wanted to "reassure customers that unprecedented times should not prevent them opting for a replacement new car or van" with the introduction o fthe offer, which reflects an earlier introduction to customers in the US.

“Customers are putting a new-found priority on reliable motoring from a trusted brand and our innovative ‘Peace of Mind’ programme helps achieve that,” he said.

Under the Peace of Mind scheme Ford will assist with payments, either as cashback paid when the vehicle is collected to help cover the first three average monthly payments, or a vehicle discount of the same value.

In addition, Ford Credit will defer the first three monthly payments for instalments to start in the fourth month of the agreement. 

This applies to both car personal contract purchases (PCP) on Ford Options and Ford Acquire van hire purchase.

With 0% finance offered on most Ford cars and all commercial vehicles, Peace of Mind brings six months of support across the Ford range. 

The programme covers orders placed in April and May for delivery by year end.

Currently, in line with national guidelines, vehicle showrooms are closed in preference for online and remote sales.

For customers requiring their new vehicles urgently - key workers, first-time Motability scheme users and companies involved in combating the emergency - dealers can arrange, by exception, a mutually convenient and safe way to hand over the vehicle.