Eastern Western Motor Group and Hartwell are the latest high-profile motor dealers to become Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) approved.

The announcement means 27 of the biggest 30 dealers are now “SAF” approved.

SAF was introduced by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) in 2007 to improve finance knowledge in showrooms and increase customer confidence in their dealer.

SAF approved can help to demonstrate to customers that a business has committed to educate its staff on all of the different finance products available in dealerships.

Around 165 staff across 27 Eastern Western showrooms and 14 Hartwell showrooms passed the online SAF competence test in order to achieve the kite-mark.

Paul Harrison, head of motor finance at the FLA, said: “It’s testament to Eastern Western and Hartwell’s commitment to their customers that they have become SAF approved.

“Car buyers across England and Scotland talking finance with these two groups can expect improved levels of competence and professionalism in those showrooms.”

Sandy Risk, business development manager at Eastern Western Motor Group, said: “As the recognised motor industry standard, we are confident that our commitment to SAF will help us to improve our performance, and more importantly give our customers that extra confidence that they are receiving the best advice available on new and used car purchases.”

Douglas Hartley, general manager at Hartwell, said: “Our dealers’ dedication to achieve this standard shows that we are going the extra mile to make sure customers are getting the best deal Hartwell can give them.

“We are pleased our hard work has paid off and Hartwell is now SAF approved. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our customers’ buying experience.”