3:10 am, March 24, 2011
THE WMS Group has launched the Safe and Sound scheme – a seven element programme for quality used cars.
In essence, it’s the ultimate used car warranty designed to create real consumer confidence.
Eric Stone, WMS Group business development director said: ‘Safe and Sound has been designed with the used car buyer in mind – until now, there was no other programme like this available to customers of the independent car dealerships.
‘The research we conducted showed us that the top three things that car buyers looked for were safety, value for money and reliability – Safe and Sound was developed to cover these requirements, plus take care of those additional worries such as whether the mileage is correct and if breakdown cover is provided. Buying a car can be a worry for buyers – which dealer can they trust, will they be paying a fair price, does it come with a warranty and if so, what does it cover?
‘Being a Safe and Sound dealership will give the consumer a reason to buy from you. We have committed to a six figure investment for Safe and Sound which will include local and national marketing platforms such as TV and radio advertising later in the year,’ Stone added.
The Safe and Sound programme includes a wear and tear six month all mechanical and electrical warranty, 60 point vehicle inspection, six month recovery package, providence check (HPI), mileage verification, independent valuation from the Used Car Expert and a dealer buy-back guarantee. This market leading, value added car warranty package is automatically included with every vehicle sold by one of the Safe and Sound approved dealerships.
The company is currently recruiting dealerships nationwide to become part of the Safe and Sound network ‘who want the opportunity to stand out from the next dealer by offering their customers something completely different’, says the firm.
The scheme will be limited to a select number of sites with the aim of recruiting 150 Safe and Sound dealers in year one.
The scheme is also endorsed by Sir. Stirling Moss OBE, who says: ‘I often get approached to put my name to products and services but when I was introduced to Safe and Sound I knew this was something that was valuable for the consumer…a car warranty programme that goes further and adds value – a product that is good for the car buyer and good for the industry.
‘We all know buying a car is a big decision and this product brings with it peace of mind – removing those niggling doubts about safety, car history, real mileage and even if you’re paying a fair price. I am pleased to have my name associated with Safe and Sound; it’s a winning product for motorists in the UK.’
Matt Tumbridge, editor of UsedCarExpert.co.uk added: ‘Safe & Sound brings main dealer-level quality control and peace of mind to the mass market. UsedCarExpert.co.uk’s research shows that people know they pay more at main dealers, but do so because of the peace of mind that the checks, inspections and warranty give. Well now, when they see the Safe & Sound flags on the forecourt of an independent dealer, they know they are going to get the same peace of mind there too.’
For details call Eric Stone on 07789 682 502 or click here for more
