Motor Codes has defined best practice for the sale of new and used cars, and the supply of associated finance and warranty products, with the launch of its Vehicle Sales Code.

The leading provider of Codes of Practice and Alternative Dispute Resolution for the automotive industry has added the new code in response to the growing number of enquiries received from car buyers since the arrival of the Consumer Rights Act and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) legislation last October.

Bill Fennell, managing director of Motor Codes, said: “It became apparent that there was an inherent need for a Vehicle Sales Code that offered consumers protection when buying a second-hand, or just as importantly, a new car.

“This gap has been filled, and the Code gives motorists the important reassurance that they are dealing with a trusted and reputable trader. They equally have a body to turn to in the unlikely event that they have a complaint that cannot be resolved directly with the seller.”

Awarded stage one approval by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), the Vehicle Sales Code covers nine different areas.

Among them is the transparent wording of adverts and pricing, clear and transparent invoicing, and the sale of a used car which is supported by a vehicle provenance check to ensure that it has not been stolen, written-off and is free of any outstanding finance payments.

It also highlights that retailers should provide test drives, avoid high-pressure selling techniques, supply accurate advice on warranty and finance products, and deliver a vehicle with a full handover, complete with all historic documentation, the entire service history and a valid MOT certificate.

Subscribers must also pledge to resolve any problems quickly and cost effectively should a dispute arise in relation to the sales process.

As a last resort, retailers are able to refer a customer to Motor Codes, a CTSI-certified ADR provider, for adjudication prior to the awarding of a final decision.