Drive Vauxhall is reaping the benefits of a summer partnership with Auto Service Finance (ASF), providers of interest free payment plans for the aftersales market.

The incentive was devised to encourage the uptake of customer finance offerings among franchised dealerships, as well as to increase labour and parts revenue within service departments.

All 11 dealerships in the Drive Vauxhall group took part in the scheme, with prizes being awarded in recognition of both individual employee and full team performances.

Josh Martin, from Drive Bristol North, was awarded the trophy for best individual advisor, having processed 12 customer loans.

Drive Hartlepool took the award for the highest overall value of loans issued during the two-month period.

Chris Elvidge, Drive Motor Retail managing director, said: “We often find if a customer cannot afford their repair bill, offering a discount doesn’t really solve the issue for the consumer; it may be that the customer isn’t paid for another couple of weeks or doesn’t have access to a credit card. Providing access to another method of payment such as ASF has far more benefit to our customers.

“This has been reflected in the uptake as we have now loaned over £130,000 to our customers, which has been essential to retaining business in a competitive market.”

Jack Allman, ASF chief executive, said: “Everybody from the Drive group is working really hard to make servicing and repairs more affordable for motorists. ASF, in partnership with Vauxhall, are thrilled to be able to give service advisors the recognition they deserve.”