The RAC Approved Dealer standard for used vans and other light commercials has been announced and will shake up the retail trade.
Sean Kent, RAC sales director at Assurant, the New York based Fortune 500 company which partners with the RAC in providing and administering warranties and related solutions, said, “The new standard is designed to create a nationwide approved used van programme commensurate with the values of the RAC brand, with all of the benefits that brings for both customers and retailers.
“It is very much a new kind of proposition in this sector where, outside of franchise dealer networks, there are few retailers with the kind of consumer brand recognition that we can deliver. With the RAC Approved Dealer initiative, dealers who meet our criteria can associate themselves directly with the credibility of the RAC brand, instantly differentiating themselves from their competitors.
“Our research shows that customers who buy from used car retailers that are members of the RAC Approved Dealer Network often do so because of the presence of the brand – and we anticipate that it will also be a major strength in the van sector.”
The new proposition is based around detailed preparation criteria created specifically for vans under 3.5 tonnes while other benefits include a three month RAC warranty, 12 months of breakdown cover, a vehicle data check and enrolment to RAC Accident Care.
Customers will also be offered the opportunity to extend their warranty while, at many dealers, they will also be able to purchase RAC Service Plan and GAP products. The van standard was originally created earlier this year for the launch of the Vanbase supermarket in Bristol.
