Car dealer’s trialling Santander Consumer Finance's (SCF) newly-launched free online finance calculator have reported strong customer demand for the platform.

The FCA-compliant calculator is being rolled out across the UK after a successful pilot scheme, and is the latest stage in its ongoing technology investment programme.

Santander Consumer Finance’s commercial director, Stewart Grant (pictured), said: “The online calculator has been designed to help dealers and their customers to make well-informed decisions as well as speeding up sales.

“Feedback from the pilot scheme has been very positive and we are delighted to be able to make the calculator available nationwide as we further enhance dealer support.”

Customers are empowered to generate their own personalised finance quotes, by adjusting deposits, mileage and finance terms to suit their budget requirements.

The calculator utilises SCF products and the dealer showroom rates to ensure the customer receives the right figures every time.

It has also been integrated into product videos and explanations.

Dealers who trialled the new calculator saw strong customer demand for the tool – at Cornwall-based Chris Nicholls Motors it was used 33,000 times over a six-week test period.

Chris Nicholls Motors in Cornwall’s managing director, Chris Nicholls, said: “The calculator is very user-friendly and simple for customers to understand. It is a very valuable addition to our website as demonstrated by how many customers are using it.”