Fiat has opened its new owned used car operation Fiat Direct at a refurbished former dealership in Hayes, Middlesex.

The new showroom features workshop facilities, preparation area and a dedicated hand over area for customers collecting their car.

The new site is part of a pilot scheme which Fiat hopes will be introduced into other areas of the UK as the company pushes through plans to grow its fleet business.

Fiat UK managing director Andrew Humberstone explained that Fiat Direct would act as a channel to sell used cars before the company attempts to re-enter the fleet market.

Humberstone said: “But for now, Fiat Direct will supply the whole country using the internet coupled with the site’s own brand of top quality service.”

Fiat Direct says it can offer more used cars that any other Fiat dealer and will list its ex-fleet stock through www.fiatdirect.co.uk.

Mark Brown is general manager at Fiat Direct and a team of specialist sales executives have been recruited.