AM100 groups agree to new fleet dealer standards

By Matt de Prez

21 March 2022

Marshall, Inchcape and Sytner have enhanced their fleet commitments by signing up to the Association of Fleet Professionals’ (AFP) new Dealer Standard.

The AFP is a not-for-profit organisation that represents car and van fleet operators.

It launched the 28-point voluntary accreditation for dealers at the end of February.

The AFP’s Dealer Standard is designed to ensure that fleet cars and vans are delivered in excellent condition to the end user, the driver is shown how the vehicle works and treated courteously. It consists of extensive checklists covering both PDI and driver handover.

The full list of requirements can be viewed here: https://www.theafp.co.uk/afp-dealer-standard-checklist/.

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said: “We’ve been very pleased with the initial response to the launch of the Dealer Standard and to have three such large and well-respected motor retailers become part of the initiative so quickly is very gratifying.

“Our intention was always that the Standard should become used right across the industry by all dealers that work with fleets and the commitment of these organisations represents an excellent start towards that objective.”

Fleet and business registrations account for 48.3% of all new cars sold since the start of the year, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Hollick confirmed that several other dealer groups have expressed interest in joining the programme and will be announced as they sign up in the coming weeks.

“Furthermore, we are also talking to a number of vehicles leasing companies who are keen on making the standard part of the obligations of their preferred dealer supplier networks, which would create substantial additional momentum,” he added.

Marshall served as part of the consultancy process when the AFP was creating the Dealer Standard.

Zoe Lawson, head of corporate sales at Marshall, said: “From the outset, we believed that this was an excellent idea that would help to ensure that fleet customers across the motor industry received an excellent level of service and we’re very happy to now be part of the scheme following its launch.”