Volkswagen Financial Services has put 350 dealer sales staff through new training programmes to help combat the threat from direct lenders. The move is one of a series of new initiatives by VWFS to take a more active role in the market.

Ray Moore, newly appointed general manager, group business development, said the finance house was now developing its own campaigns rather than relying on marketing by the individual car brands. It is also offering extra support and incentives to its Solutions PCP package through the September and October sales period.

Mr Moore, who joined from Lloyds UDT, will work with major retail groups to develop best practice across the VW Group brands. He is also responsible for F&I development and training.

VWFS works across all six brands: Audi, Bentley, Seat, Skoda, VW and Commercial Vehicles.