All-electric premium brand smart UK Automotive has become the latest addition to the Motor Ombudsman’s growing New Car Code portfolio.

The car maker brings the total number of manufacturers adhering to the Code to 42 – an all-time high for the Code of Practice.

Adhering to the guidelines laid down by the comprehensive New Car Code reinforces a manufacturer’s commitment to delivering high standards of service, beyond those stipulated by the law, in relation to the supply of its new cars to consumers, and the cover offered to vehicle owners by its three-year warranty.

Obligations laid down for businesses by the Code of Practice include, providing vehicles to motorists that are of the expected standard, using honest and accurate advertising at all times, presenting warranty documents in clear and plain English, and adopting swift and cost-effective customer complaints handling procedures.

An additional benefit of accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman is the ability to access its dedicated in-house team of automotive experts for help and guidance to assist with the swift and fair resolution of disputesin an impartial environment, all at no cost to the consumer.

Andrew Brown, subscriber operations manager at The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We are delighted to welcome smart UK Automotive Ltd to the New Car Code, and to close the year with our largest ever portfolio of accredited vehicle manufacturers. This highlights the importance that carmakers place in being aligned with the guidelines stipulated by the Code of Practice to help ensure that the delivery of high standards of service is at the forefront of the customer journey. We look forward to working closely with the business and seeing them team at future Code of Practice forums.”

David Browne, CEO at smart UK, added: “As we pursue our journey as an all-electric premium brand in the UK, accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman puts the spotlight on our customer-centric philosophy and brand ethos, where we set out to exceed expectations both in terms of our product range, and the associated services that we offer. Being a part of The Motor Ombudsman equally provides a valuable resource and guide of best practice to further shape and refine our internal processes, as well as the reassurance that we have a third party to consult if we were to ever have any unresolved customer disputes.”