Mercedes-Benz UK wants its retail network to ramp up approved used car sales and has invested in a series of training workshops for its dealers.

More than 800 network personnel, from sales executives to general managers, have been through a programme to ensure staff have the right knowledge and expertise to continue to raise awareness of the benefits of the Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Scheme.

Colin Niklas, used cars and transport manager for Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “The aim of the workshops was to provide delegates with the knowledge to clearly demonstrate to customers the added value and financial benefits of the Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Scheme.”

The training, conducted by Mondial Assistance UK, separated the overall cost of used vehicle ownership, such as servicing, warranty and roadside assistance, to show the longer term cost savings that being a Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Scheme customer can bring.

“It’s fair to say, what we think we know, and what we actually know, are often very different,” said David Colbeck, a director at AM100-ranked retailer Listers Group, which has Mercedes outlets at Lincoln, Boston, Hull and Grimsby.

“The whole team came away from the training workshop with a greater level of knowledge of the Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Car Scheme. Now we have greater confidence in extending the proposition.

"We know we are offering a quality product that brings our customers added benefits which boost their ownership experience and our relationship.”