8:33 am, June 19, 2012
TWO of the UK’s largest dealer groups have become SAF Approved.
Eastern Western Motor Group, the second largest dealership group in Scotland, and Hartwell, with outlets across England, are the latest high-profile motor dealers to be awarded the status under the Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) scheme. The announcement means 27 of the UK’s biggest 30 dealers are now SAF Approved.
SAF was introduced by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) – the trade body for the motor finance industry – in 2007 to improve finance knowledge in showrooms and increase customer confidence in their dealer.
SAF Approved demonstrates to customers that a business has committed to educate its staff on all of the different finance products available in dealerships.
The accolade comes after months of hard work by both dealers’ staff and means that their customers can be sure that they are getting expert information on motor finance products.
Around 165 staff across 27 Eastern Western showrooms and 14 Hartwell showrooms passed the online SAF competence test in order to achieve the increasingly popular kite-mark.
Paul Harrison, Head of Motor Finance at the FLA, said: ‘It’s testament to Eastern Western and Hartwell’s commitment to their customers that they have become SAF Approved.
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‘Car buyers across England and Scotland talking finance with these two groups can expect improved levels of competence and professionalism in those showrooms.’
Douglas Hartley, general manager at Hartwell said: ‘We are pleased our hard work has paid off and Hartwell is now SAF Approved. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our customers’ buying experience.’
Sandy Risk, business development manager at Eastern Western Motor Group said: ‘We are confident that our commitment to SAF will help us to improve our performance, and more importantly give our customers that extra confidence that they are receiving the best advice available on new and used car purchases.’
