AFP

AFP Dealer Standard

Why has the AFP introduced the Dealer Standard?

Cars and vans are becoming ever more complex and fitted with increasingly sophisticated equipment. This means that both the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and driver handover of a new vehicle are becoming ever more critical.

The days when a driver could sit in a vehicle and familiarise themselves with all of its functions within a couple of minutes are long gone.

Safety, infotainment and other systems are often wide-ranging and complex, and require detailed and expert explanation.

In addition, the pandemic has made safety precautions at handover an issue of concern plus drivers are taking delivery of their first electric vehicle (EV) and need more information and help, adding further layers of complexity.

For the reasons above, the AFP Dealer Standard has been introduced.

What does the AFP Dealer Standard Include?

The standard consists of extensive checklists covering both PDI and driver handover. They are designed to ensure that the vehicle is delivered in excellent condition and that the driver is treated courteously and provided with an extensive understanding of its functions, especially when it comes to safety.

What does the AFP hope to achieve with the Dealer Standard?

We intend that the AFP Dealer Standard will be adopted voluntarily industrywide by dealers and fleets as a benchmark for vehicle delivery.

The AFP Dealer Standard has been created to give fleets the confidence that drivers will receive a comprehensive and safe handover of new vehicles.

Pre-delivery standards
  • Regular lead time updates should be provided to either the fleet customer, fleet operator or driver including further information in the event of any delays and the reason for lateness.
  • Confirmation should be provided to the customer when the vehicle is in stock, and the delivery date and time formalised.
  • Comprehensive vehicle details including the registration and VIN details should be supplied as well as P11D and CO2 follow-ups.
  • Telematics devices, if applicable, should be installed prior to delivery.
  • A certificate of conformity should be issued with each vehicle and placed in the glove compartment if provided by the manufacturer. If not supplied, copies should be available for the customer upon request but additional costs may be applied by the manufacturer or dealer.
  • It is preferable that in-house drivers are utilised for deliveries who are competent and trained in the product they are delivering. If third party drivers are utilised then, as a minimum, the handover must cover main features and safety related items.
  • The dealer should offer support and guidance on any follow-up technical queries regarding the vehicle if required by the customer.
Operational handover standards - The Vehicle

The vehicle should be supplied with:

  • Company, leasing company, dealer and safety packs, as applicable
  • Windscreen stickers
  • A branded key fob
  • Fitted carpet mats from the manufacturer or leasing company at a negotiated cost
  • At least quarter of a tank of fuel for petrol or diesel cars or 50% charge for EVs. The low fuel light should never be showing.
  • Driven delivery mileage must not exceed 100 miles for cars or 150 miles for a commercial vehicles unless otherwise agreed.
  • The vehicle should be delivered covered or washed down prior to handover, and be clean both externally and internally.
  • The vehicle should never be handed over to the customer with any warning lights showing on the dashboard display. In the event a warning light appears before handover, a proactive rectification process needs to be discussed with the customer to minimise inconvenience and disappointment.
Operational handover standards - The Delivery Driver
  • The delivery driver should be of smart appearance and conduct themselves professionally, as well as being able to communicate clearly and adhere to current COVID security guidelines.
  • The delivery driver should be aware that vehicles may be tracked and speeding or other offences in the vehicle will be noted and challenged.
  • The customer should be contacted by the delivery driver prior to departure or during the journey with an estimated time of arrival.
  • There should be no eating, drinking, smoking or vaping within vehicle.
Operational handover standards - The Handover
  • As a minimum, a handover process is required either physically or virtually and must include basic driving and safety-related controls, as well as Bluetooth, navigation and other key features.
  • Dealers should be able to advise the customer if required on where they can obtain support on using a vehicle app. This is particularly important on EVs that have preconditioning, vehicle locking and other features remote which may be essential.
  • Safety items should be shown to be present including spare wheel location, repair kit, locking wheel nut location and bonnet release.
  • Guidance on refuelling, charging and additives should be provided. For EVs, this should cover charging cables.
  • An instruction manual and service book should be provided or otherwise details given on how to access digital manuals found online or through the vehicle infotainment system.
  • Inspection condition and handover documents should be provided, either on paper or electronically.
  • The vehicle should be thoroughly checked for damage, and the driver given time to evaluate the vehicle and photograph any damage if necessary. A MoDel or alternative PDA unit should be used where possible.
  • There should be a formal damage and compliant rectification process that is designed to minimise inconvenience and disappointment.
  • Once the vehicle has been signed for, it is accepted that any issues outside of warranty must be dealt with by the driver.
How can I find out more?

If you are a dealer who would like to sign up to the AFP Dealer Standard you can do so by clicking the purple button or completing the form below.

If you would like to know which dealers have signed up to the standard, please complete form below

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