North-east retailer Benfield Motors is claiming an instant success for its 'two-for-one' sales scheme launched this month.

The scheme, piloted at the group's Skoda dealership in Newcastle upon Tyne, offers customers two nearly-new cars for the price of the new model.

Benfield Skoda general manager Martin Davison, who came up with the idea, urged dealers to respond to customers' needs by offering value for money deals.

He claimed customer reaction to Benfield's scheme had been “tremendous”.

“Over the first weekend we sold 14 cars,” he said. “People can see the added value, particularly as customers can mix and match their cars – we have a good selection of nearly-new Rover, Vauxhall, Ford and Citroen models at half their original cost new.” The scheme is likely to be rolled out across the 12 Benfield outlets in the North-east and Scotland, “as long as supply holds up”, said Mr Davison.