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Motor Codes launches vehicle Sales Code of Practice
A Sales Code of Practice has been launched by Motor Codes, the leading provider of Codes of Practice and Alternative Dispute Resolution for the automotive industry. The Code is designed to protect customers throughout the sales process and provide reassurance they are dealing with a reputable retailer.
There has been a growing number of car buyer enquiries with the Citizens Advice Bureau – with used car sales being the second largest category of complaints – following the introduction of a new Consumer Rights Act and Alternative Dispute Resolution legislation last year. To address the trend, Motors Codes saw the need to introduce the Vehicle Sales Code.
Awarded stage one approval by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), the Code provides guidelines on the sale of both new and used cars, as well as the supply of finance and warranties. It covers nine key areas and any garages and dealers who adhere to the Code are able to display the widely-recognised CTSI-approved Code and Motor Codes logos on their premises and website.
For further information on the Consumer Rights Act in the automotive industry, download our free eBook.
What are the nine areas covered by the Vehicle Sales Code?
The Motor Codes Vehicle Sales Code covers:
- The transparent wording of adverts and pricing
- Clear and transparent invoicing
- Provenance checks for the sale of used cars
- The provision of test drives
- Avoidance of high pressure selling techniques
- The supply of accurate advice on warranty and other finance products
- Full vehicle handovers with all historic documentation, service history and a valid MOT certificate
- Quick and cost effective resolution of any sales disputes.
For further information and to sign up, visit www.motorcodes.co.uk.
What does Motor Codes have to say on the new Code?
Bill Fennell, Managing Director of Motor Codes, said: “Following the recent introduction of Consumer Rights and ADR legislation, and the large number of enquiries seen by the Citizens Advice Bureau regarding used cars, 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.”
Paul Newton, Chief Executive Officer at Car Care Plan, wrote about Motors Codes in a recent guest blog. He said: “At Car Care Plan, we’ve been working with Motor Codes for some time and I’m proud that we not only subscribe to their Code of Practice for Vehicle Warranty Products but our products are fully compliant. It doesn’t change what we do day to day but subscription lets us make a very public commitment to buyers of our product.”
Learn more about reassuring customers with a Code of Practice – read Paul’s blog here.