Dealers get financial good advice from the FLA

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has revised its Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) Competence Test and SAF Reference Material to provide dealers with the very latest knowledge on finance products and regulation. The update includes a brand new module on the important requirements of the Consumer Credit Directive (CCD), which the motor industry has until 31 January 2011 to implement. The new SAF test and SAF reference material are available online from today at www.specialistautomotivefinance.co.uk and can be accessed free of charge by dealers. SAF is the FLA's initiative to raise the standard of finance advice offered in dealer showrooms. Dealers and showroom staff can increase their knowledge of financial products with the reference material, and then prove their knowledge with the SAF competence test, which must be retaken annually. The FLA's update will assist dealers and showroom staff to prepare for the key regulatory changes under the CCD and will ensure that car buyers are provided with the very best information and protection linked to motor finance. The updated Test will allow dealerships to demonstrate that their understanding of the CCD changes is of the standard set by the FLA - the representative body for the UK motor finance industry.

► The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) has asked consumer watchdog Which? for details of those garages who underperformed in its recent probe into car servicing. RMI chairman Paul Williams said if it found member-garages had underperformed and were not up to standard, it would expel them.