• The Motor Ombudsman adds CHERY UK to its growing New Car Code portfolio
• The comprehensive and long-standing Code covers best practice guidelines for carmakers in relation to the supply of new vehicles and associated warranty products and services to consumers
• CHERY UK’s accreditation to the Code brings a host of advantages for the business, namely access to an Information Line for tailored expert guidance, and to the Ombudsman’s expert, independent and impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service in the event a consumer dispute remains unresolved

The Motor Ombudsman has made an encouraging start to the year by announcing that CHERY UK has gained accreditation to the long-standing Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars. As one of the fastest-growing new entrants to the automotive retail landscape in this country, CHERY UK joins an expanding portfolio of carmakers striving for the very highest standards in the supply of new vehicles and associated warranty products and services to motorists.

Today, the New Car Code covers around 98% of all new passenger vehicles sold across the UK. It has recently been updated to reflect the changing face of the motor industry, technological innovation, and consumer buying behaviour. Comprising over 100 recommended points of action across 10 areas, the Code is the most comprehensive of its kind. Its wide-ranging scope encompasses obligations and best practice requirements for carmakers, such as the use of clear and accurate communications to consumers to help ensure informed purchases and decision-making, terminology that is easy to understand within documentation, such as warranties, a demonstration of in-car systems at the point of handover, and spare parts being made available for repairs during and following the production of models. Vehicle manufacturers equally commit to having effective in-house complaints procedures in place to ensure consumers receive prompt and fair resolutions to any concerns.

Following its recent UK debut, accreditation to the respected Motor Ombudsman Code brings a host of benefits for CHERY UK as a business. First and foremost, as an authority in its sector, it gives the vehicle manufacturer’s head office teams the ability to signpost customers to The Motor Ombudsman’s in-house and entirely impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service should a dispute around a new car or associated products and services remain unresolved. An added advantage of pursuing this avenue to resolve complaints is that it costs CHERY UK customers nothing.

Furthermore, as CHERY UK continues to build its market presence, spearheaded by its expanding TIGGO SUV line-up, accreditation to the New Car Code brings valuable added exposure through The Motor Ombudsman’s marketing initiatives. The brand has a bespoke profile on The Motor Ombudsman’s website (TheMotorOmbudsman.org) – a portal visited by hundreds of thousands of consumers each year, whilst CHERY will also be cast into the spotlight through the body’s communications programme and social media activities.

Similarly, accreditation to the New Car Code allows the use of the respected Motor Ombudsman and Approved Code logos on the company’s website and customer materials, reinforcing the marque’s commitment to exceptional service and giving added peace of mind to customers who are likely new to the CHERY brand.

Lastly, the vehicle manufacturer will have the valuable opportunity to join industry roundtables hosted by The Motor Ombudsman throughout the year and to participate in learning and development sessions on prominent topics, such as legislative updates and key trends affecting the motor industry.

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We are delighted to welcome CHERY UK as the newest member of our accredited network. Their commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and customer service aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth and success within the sector.”

Bill added: “It has been a very encouraging start to the year and further cements the New Car Code as the benchmark of standards and best practice for both established vehicle manufacturers and those selling vehicles in the UK for the first time.”

Farrell Hsu, CHERY UK Country Director, explained: “We are delighted to have gained accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman’s New Car Code – an important affirmation of our drive to both do the very best for our customers, and to deliver an unrivalled brand experience.”

Farrell added: “Being aligned with such a respected industry authority will be an important source of expertise for our organisation, and we are looking forward to working alongside The Motor Ombudsman as we continue our exciting journey in the UK’s dynamic automotive sector.”

“It has been a very encouraging start to the year and further cements the New Car Code as the benchmark of standards and best practice for both established vehicle manufacturers and those selling vehicles in the UK for the first time.”

Bill Fennell

Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director

For more information on The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars, and accredited vehicle manufacturers, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/consumers/our-codes-of-practice/new-car-code.

ENDS

The post CHERY UK reinforces commitment to excellence with accreditation to TMO’s New Car Code appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

• Motor Ombudsman poll shows nearly seven in ten UK garages are set to see car owners skipping essential repairs this year in a bid to save money  
• Ignoring warning lights can turn into ‘wallet frights’, as delaying fixes can lead to higher bills and compromise safety
• Around 40% of repairers expect customers to abandon cars this year should work prove too costly 

Motorists could unknowingly be putting their own safety and finances at risk by delaying essential repairs to their cars. At a time when consumers are once again facing rising bills as the new year begins, the latest annual poll of car garages and workshops across the UK by The Motor Ombudsman – an expert on all things motoring, has revealed that nearly seven in ten (68%) expect drivers to skip doing vital work on their vehicles as a quick way to save money. This is a slight rise from the figures of 61% seen in 2025, and 53% in 2024, laying bare the continued strain on household budgets.

However, delaying repairs, no matter how small, can lead to more costly bills later down the line. For example, putting off having a timing belt replaced – a vital component for ensuring the smooth running of an engine, can turn a typical bill of around £600 into a worst-case scenario of complete engine failure, which carries an average bill of £5,400 – a cost nine times greater than what it should have done.

Furthermore, ignoring squealing or grinding noises from the brakes, and not changing the pads (typically £266 for a set of two per wheel), may not only escalate into needing more of the braking system replaced, such as discs and calipers – carrying a combined £700 bill a wheel, but postponing such an important safety fix equally poses a danger to life, as stopping distances can be vastly reduced, especially in bad weather.

Similarly, shunning changing tyres in poor condition and with tread lower than the legal minimum of 1.6mm – costing on average £94 per corner, can impact handling and safety, and result in a fine of £2,500 and three points on a driving licence for every tyre that’s sub-standard.

Rebecca Pullan, owner of The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Carmaster Garage, said: “Avoiding repair bills might feel like a tangible saving in the short term, but it often proves a false economy. That’s why it’s important to visit a trusted and reputable garage at the first sign of trouble, and to tackle issues early on before they escalate into something much more serious.”

In light of drivers holding on to their cars for a lot longer – now an average of 9.5 years – an all-time high [1] , the findings from latest study also showed that nearly four in ten (38%) vehicle repairers across the nation expect drivers to abandon their cars and to leave them behind at garages if repair costs prove too expensive to keep them running. This is a rise from 28% when compared to what was forecast for 2025, reinforcing how car ownership can hang in the balance in the event of a bill proving unpalatable.

Lastly, to compound an economic backdrop of increasing household bills, the research also highlighted that over half of garages (55%) are set to grapple this year with the challenge of not passing on rising costs, that they themselves are having to contend with, when handing over invoices to customers.

Rebecca said: “Cars are complex machines, and carry an ongoing financial commitment to keep them legal and roadworthy. Things can of course go wrong out of the blue, especially as drivers are not changing cars so regularly nowadays.

“This is why it’s so important that money is put aside and to have a separate pot ‘at the ready’ to help pay for any unforeseen repairs, alongside regular recommended routine maintenance, such as servicing and MOTs. Owning a car is one of the biggest household bills, meaning budgeting is key.”

Rebecca Pullan at Carmaster Garage also offers the following top tips to help drive down the burden of costly repair bills:

Take a look at extended warranties offered by a Motor Ombudsman-accredited provider to help protect against having to pay for costly mechanical and electrical problems.

1. Put time aside to carry out regular basic checks, including tyre pressure and condition, and fluids levels, such as oil, to ensure that they meet vehicle manufacturer-recommended levels;

2. Contact an accredited repairer listed on The Motor Ombudsman’s Business Finder; (TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Business-Finder) in the event of any dashboard warning lights, and squeaks and rattles, as this can indicate something may be wrong and require immediate attention;

3. Keep an eye out for free vehicle health checks at Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses to stay on top of any issues before they escalate into ones which may be more significant;

4. Consider a service plan to help spread the cost of routine maintenance and avoid the burden of paying a yearly lump sum; and

5. Take a look at extended warranties offered by a Motor Ombudsman-accredited provider to help protect against having to pay for costly mechanical and electrical problems.

“Avoiding repair bills might feel like a tangible saving in the short term, but it often proves a false economy.”

Rebecca Pullan

Owner at Carmaster Garage

To view the businesses that are accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Service and Repair Code, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Business-Finder.

[1] The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

ENDS

The Motor Ombudsman survey saw 85 service and repair businesses respond online between 03rd and 21st November 2025. Read the full Motor Ombudsman Service and Repair 2025 review and 2026 outlook at:

www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/useful-information/industry-insights

The post Drivers to hit the brakes on vital car repairs in 2026, says motoring expert appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

• Latest annual Motor Ombudsman poll shows independent garages and franchise dealer workshops are set to encounter a myriad of challenges in 2026, with rising operational costs, taxes and bills at the forefront of these
• Around seven in ten respondents are forecasting fewer customers will be able to afford routine maintenance this year, and put off essential repairs in a bid to save money
• The research finds that 45% of vehicle repairers expect the recruitment of qualified and experienced technicians to remain difficult in the coming months, adding to business strains

The UK’s service and repair sector is set to face a convergence of challenges this year, according to The Motor Ombudsman’s latest annual survey of independent garages and franchise dealer workshops.

The Ombudsman study, which provides a yearly ‘gauge of business sentiment’, has revealed that rising operational costs, taxes and bills are set to pose the biggest obstacle for over nine in ten (92%) vehicle repairers during 2026 – a slight two-percentage point increase versus the figure for the same study conducted ahead of 2025. Coupled with the recent rise in National Insurance employer contributions, vehicle repairers are set to be impacted by the arrival of added expense this year, such as higher minimum wages, a revaluation of business rates, and greater standing charges for energy use.

The research equally showed nearly seven in ten businesses forecasting that fewer consumers will be both unable to afford routine maintenance, such as servicing (69%), and put off vital work to their cars in the coming months in a bid to save money (68%), as households themselves grapple with bills that have once again increased with the start of the new year.

This potential drop in footfall may call for businesses to look at diversifying income streams to future-proof revenue in 2026 and drive further efficiencies in the way that they work, such as through using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Similarly, making investments in new technology, for example, in relation to the maintenance of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) and electric vehicles (EVs), could also serve as an important point of differentiation from competitors.

Furthermore, just over two-thirds of businesses questioned (68%) stated that they will face rising parts prices this year to fix vehicles. Although the outlook is positive, in that inflation is set to ease throughout 2026 according to forecasts [1], around half of respondents (55%) nevertheless stated that not passing on higher costs to consumers when handing over a bill, posed an added obstacle for their business, when it comes to both retaining existing loyal customers and attracting new ones.

As the pool of available qualified and experienced vehicle technicians for hire continues to make headlines, with thousands of vacancies yet to be filled [2], the persisting shortage of such a vital resource in the automotive sector is reflected in the results of The Motor Ombudsman poll. This is namely that nearly five in ten of the garages and workshops questioned (45%) said that recruitment would remain difficult through 2026, whilst the top staff-specific challenge emerged as being able to raise salaries to account for the heightened cost of living to help retain staff – all at a time when the bottom line may be compromised.

With finances often on a knife-edge for many motorists, as spend is prioritised according to where it is needed most, 38% of the businesses polled expect to see consumers abandoning their car on site, if the cost of repairs becomes too prohibitive. This is up from 28% – the figure forecast by businesses for 2025, reinforcing the growing pressures on household budgets.

Despite a trading environment that will bring a myriad of obstacles for repairers during 2026, there are nevertheless some encouraging takeaways from the research. For example, 29% of respondents explained that they intend to upgrade their premises to create an improved service and repair experience for customers, whilst about a fifth (21%) plan to invest in EV-specific learning initiatives to upskill their workforce, and attend training courses and webinars to further drive-up operational standards.

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “As we start the new year, it is clear from the findings of our latest poll that garages and workshops across the UK are facing an unprecedented convergence of challenges, with rising costs at the very forefront of these.

“Navigating this complex landscape, and a challenging economic backdrop to match, will require businesses to be adaptable, innovate and stand out from the crowd in what is a very competitive sector. This is where The Motor Ombudsman and its Codes of Practice play a key role in championing the pursuit of excellence and the unrelenting high standards of work and service delivered to motorists by repairers in our ever-expanding accredited network across the country.”

“Navigating this complex landscape, and a challenging economic backdrop to match, will require businesses to be adaptable, innovate and stand out from the crowd in what is a very competitive sector.”

Bill Fennell

Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director

To view the businesses that are accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Service and Repair Code, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Business-Finder.

ENDS

[1] Source: OECD (https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-set-faster-growth-2026-slower-inflation-oecd-forecasts-2025-12-02)

[2] The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)

About the survey data

The Motor Ombudsman survey saw 85 service and repair businesses respond online between 03rd and 21st November 2025. Read the full Motor Ombudsman Service and Repair 2025 review and 2026 outlook report at:

www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/useful-information/industry-insights

An infographic showing the main challenges set to be faced by independent garages and franchise dealer workshops in 2026 can be seen below.

The post Rising costs to pose biggest challenge for 9 in 10 repairers in 2026 appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

• With ‘Frantic Friday’ only a few days away, as millions start taking to the roads for the festive break, research by motoring expert The Motor Ombudsman revealed that 53% of adults across the nation would not check their tyres were safe and legal before setting off
• Drivers can be landed with a fine of £2,500 and three points on their driving licence per illegal tyre – an unwanted added expense at an already often-costly time of year  
• Motorists are being urged to ensure that their car is fully roadworthy to avoid any unwanted stoppages and breakdowns when travelling to their holiday destination

The festive getaway traditionally ramps up the weekend before Christmas, when millions of motorists encounter ‘Frantic Friday’ and ‘Snarl-up Saturday’ on the roads. However, a poll by a motoring expert has found that over half of individuals (53%) would simply forgo checking their car’s tyres were in a safe and legal condition ahead of setting off on their journey to celebrate the festive season with friends and loved ones.

Whilst many often spend hours ensuring their gifts are carefully wrapped, decorating the tree, and shopping for the celebrations, the latest research of 2,000 UK respondents by The Motor Ombudsman revealed that, in contrast, just over four in ten (47%) would put in the time to make sure that all tyres were inflated to the correct pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer according to the luggage and number of people in the car, and that the tread depth of the rubber was at least the legal minimum of 1.6mm.

As well as tyres being a critical safety component with only a small contact patch separating vehicles from the road, drivers can be subject to a fine of £2,500 and three points on their driving licence per illegal tyre.

In fact, the study showed that the country’s newest drivers, i.e. 18 to 29-year-olds, are the least contentious of any group when it comes to checking that the four corners of their car are in optimum condition (at 42% of respondents), whilst those in the 45 to 59 bracket emerged as being the most attentive (51%).

Rebecca Pullan, owner of The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Carmaster Garage, said: “As well as keeping an eye out for any cuts, lumps, or bulges, which could suggest internal damage, under-inflated tyres can lead to hidden costs, such as premature and uneven wear, increased fuel consumption, and significantly raise the risk of aquaplaning. This is a dangerous combination where water builds between the tyres and the road, causing a loss of traction, steering and braking control, and heightening the chance of an accident.”

The findings of the latest research equally showed that fewer than half of those questioned in the study (47%) would pop open the bonnet to ensure that windscreen washer fluid was topped up to the right levels – as wintry weather brings more challenging conditions and spray and grime being thrown up from the road, and that the engine oil level can also be read between the right lines on the dipstick.

Rebecca added: “Inadequate or dirty oil circulating in the engine can lead to poor performance, whilst eventual starvation can lead to a full engine replacement carrying an average cost of thousands of pounds, highlighting the importance of having it changed annually and not skipping services. However, if drivers see a warning light on the dash in the interim – a symbol similar to the outline of ‘Aladdin’s lamp’, they should never ignore it, as it means that the oil level or pressure has dipped, so it’s important they take their car to a reputable garage without delay.”

With shorter hours of daylight over the festive season, and sunshine becoming more of a rarity, lights and indicators working at their very best is vital. The study however, pointed to the fact that only about a third of drivers (31%) would take a look at the front and rear to ensure everything was lighting up correctly, including fog lamps. Similarly, only around one in three (28%) would check the battery charge level before hitting the road if they owned a hybrid or electric car.

Worryingly, the poll saw nearly a fifth (16%) of survey respondents claiming they would make no checks at all ahead of setting off, and would simply ‘wing it’ – essentially hoping for the best that their journey will be free of any unforeseen hiccups.

Rebecca said: “As a long-awaited end-of-year celebration, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the festive spirit, and not give your car the due care and attention that it needs ahead of a long journey. But this is where nightmares before Christmas can begin. Just like us, cars need regular check-ups and maintenance to stay in shape, especially when undertaking long distance journeys that many are likely to be doing throughout the coming days.

“Just like us, cars need regular check-ups and maintenance to stay in shape, especially when undertaking long distance journeys that many are likely to be doing throughout the coming days.”

Rebecca Pullan

Owner at Carmaster Garage

“If you’re not sure what to look out for, use The Motor Ombudsman’s handy online Business Finder to search for a local trusted repairer, because ultimately, a professional health check can save you hours of avoidable stress and being out of pocket, especially at a time when the expense of the festive season quickly mounts up.”

To see The Motor Ombudsman’s ‘Car-istmas’ tips for the festive season, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Car-istmas.

ENDS

The research was conducted by Perspectus Global among a sample of 2,000 UK adults. The data was collected between 14.11.25 to 18.11.25. Perspectus Global abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles.

Car-istmas® is a trademark of The Motor Ombudsman Limited.

The post Tyres are overlooked by over 50% of drivers ahead of festive getaway appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

• Celebrity wrapping expert Jane Means reveals one of the biggest festive fails – and comes to the rescue with the UK’s first-ever Car-istmas® drive‑through wrapping service

With one in five (21%) Brits saying they can’t wrap, and 60% admitting they get stressed when faced with awkwardly shaped presents, a festive boffin has explained that we’re all doing it wrong.

Partnering with The Motor Ombudsman, expert Jane Means, who has wrapped for The Royal Household and an array of celebrities, has revealed some of the biggest mistakes when it comes to concealing gifts with decorative paper and creating that all‑important element of suspense and surprise.

“Wrapping presents can seem like a simple task, but most people struggle with it,” Jane explains. “Using too little or too much paper, folding it in the wrong places, and drowning it in far too much tape can make the process much more cumbersome and stressful than it needs to be.”

A study of 2,000 Brits conducted by Perspectus Global suggests only 20% have successfully mastered the art of wrapping, with only 30% enjoying the task. More than half (51%) admit it is their least favourite part of the festive season, with 6% even handing the job to someone else if they can.

In fact, irritation runs high; 67% become annoyed if wrapping doesn’t go their way, with ‘festive frustration’ kicking in after only 16 minutes. Common niggles include, not being able to find the end of the tape (51%), it sticking in the wrong place (39%), paper running out (35%), cutting sheets too small (30%) and rolls of tape quickly vanishing due to overly generous use (29%).

One in five (21%) hate being faced with a round present, while 17% say nothing is worse than putting your finger through the paper.

It’s no surprise that when things don’t go our way, 33% have been known to tear up the wrapping paper in annoyance, 28% have hurled the tape, 22% have shouted, and 13% have even screamed. Nearly a quarter (24%) go a step further and have simply downed tools and refused to wrap anything else.

And it seems the fear of wrapping is very real for some. One in six (16%) admit they’ve handed over a gift completely unwrapped because they didn’t know how to cover it. In addition, 8% have avoided buying a certain gift they knew someone wanted because they had no idea how to wrap it.

To help ease the pressure on the nation’s ‘present preppers’ and share some essential festive tips, Jane joined forces with The Motor Ombudsman – a respected expert on all things motoring – to launch the UK’s first-ever Car‑istmas® drive‑through wrapping service.

With drivers facing an average of 18 gifts to wrap ahead of the big day, the lucky participants could simply pull up, wind down the window and hand their presents to Jane for the ‘royal treatment’. The service saved them around 56 minutes of solo wrapping stress – all without leaving the comfort of their car.

To complete the festive pit stop, mechanics were on hand to give vehicles a quick once‑over, ensuring every getaway was as safe and smooth as the wrapping itself.

It seems wrapping styles say a lot about how we handle festive pressure, with the research revealing four distinct types of wrappers across the UK. The most prominent ones are:

• ‘The Professional’ (17%), who likes every corner crisp, every bow symmetrical, and every tag written in calligraphy;
• ‘The Last-Minute Wrapper’ (16%), who at 11:58pm on Christmas Eve is surrounded by torn wrapping paper, using whatever they can find and hoping no one notices;
• ‘The Tape Enthusiast’ (14%), who uses half a roll of tape per present; and
• ‘The Crafty One’ (14%), who loves to embellish their gifts with twine, cinnamon sticks, paper cut-outs and hand-stamped paper can also be found up and down the country.

But our stress doesn’t just cover wrapping, as more than half (56%) feel equally as overwhelmed when preparing for a Christmas car journey, with heavy traffic (27%) and bad weather (18%) topping the list of travel woes. Despite this, only 9% would book a professional garage check before setting off, and more than a third (38%) have never done so.

While most drivers check tyre pressure and fluid levels, fewer take steps to prepare for the unexpected. Just 31% pack an emergency kit, and only 30% will make sure their car’s MOT, and insurance and breakdown cover are up to date. Less than a fifth (16%) admit they don’t check anything at all before a long-distance festive journey.

Alex Lindley, CEO of The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Lindleys Autocentres group of garages, which hosted the first-ever Car-istmas® drive-though, said: “To avoid any nightmares at Christmas and any unwanted interruptions to the long-awaited festive break, preparing your car for the road ahead is just as crucial in ensuring everyone and their gifts all arrive safely. This means checking all fluids are topped up to recommended levels, tyres are legal and pumped up with the right amount of air for the load being carried, all lights are working, and car batteries are working to capacity, as these can be susceptible to the colder weather if left unchecked, leading to breakdowns.

“If you’re not sure what to look out for, it’s worth heading down to a local Motor Ombudsman-accredited garage before heading off. You can never be too cautious before leaving for this traditionally very busy period for travel.”
The results of the poll also showed that planning habits vary too, with under half (45%) checking weather or allowing extra time for traffic (43%), and only 22% looking up the best time to travel to avoid congestion. Furthermore, only 41% said they would check their route in advance.

JANE’S TOP TIPS TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT WRAP:

• When wrapping a box, use double‑sided tape, as it will give a professional finish and seamless look. Ensure you don’t have too much excess paper, as it will be more difficult to wrap.

• For awkward gifts, choose a flexible material such as fabric, tissue or cellophane, as it will mould around the shape more easily than paper.

• Wrap really bulky and large items in a paper tablecloth. It is much easier than joining paper and is inexpensive.

• For extra‑large gifts, use plain brown packing paper as a base, then add a strip of decorative or Christmas print across the middle, and finish with ribbon. This will make a cheap, eye‑catching feature and ensure the ribbon doesn’t look lost on the item.

• Write your tags first and place them on top of the presents you are wrapping, as there is nothing more annoying than wrapping several gifts and not remembering who they are for!

• Add finishing touches to your presents, including fresh foliage, baubles, feathers and recycled Christmas decorations.

• Be organised and buy lots of supplies early, including non‑Christmas wrap that can be used all year round. You always need more materials than you think, so bulk buy.

• Inject some personalisation to really give the ‘wow’ factor. You could tie in dried flowers for a gardener, wrap in music scores for a musician or photocopy old photos for a school friend.

• If you are running short of time, bundle a couple of gifts together. A stack of presents looks very effective and will save on materials.

• Enjoy the experience, and make some time for yourself with a tipple and some favourite music. You could even invite friends around and have a wrapping party.

To view The Motor Ombudsman’s ‘Car-istmas’ tips for a festive getaway, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Car-istmas.

“To avoid any nightmares at Christmas and any unwanted interruptions to the long-awaited festive break, preparing your car for the road ahead is just as crucial in ensuring everyone and their gifts all arrive safely.”

Alex Lindley

CEO at Lindleys Autocentres

ENDS

The research was conducted by Perspectus Global among a sample of 2,000 Brits. The data was collected between 14.11.25 to 18.11.25. Perspectus Global abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles.

Car-istmas® is a trademark of The Motor Ombudsman Limited.

The post Wrapping expert shows how the nation’s gifters are not making the cut at Christmas appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

Napoleon Garage scoops top national trophy in The Motor Ombudsman’s Star Awards

• Napoleon Garage in Bradford, Yorkshire, has won this year’s National Star Award trophy
• The independent garage, which is celebrating its centenary, beat seven other Regional Star Award winners to the top title – the highest accolade of The Motor Ombudsman contest
• The annual Star Awards competition invites customers to shine the spotlight on Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses and individual team members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty when assisting them
• The National Star Award trophy will be formally presented at next week’s Hero Awards at the Houses of Parliament in the heart of London, as part of a continued partnership with the ceremony hosted by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)

The Motor Ombudsman is pleased to announce that Napoleon Garage in Bradford, Yorkshire, is the winner of the National Star Award for 2025. The prestigious accolade, which has been bestowed to the business as it celebrates its centenary in the Yorkshire city, is the top prize in the Ombudsman’s annual Star Awards competition – a contest which allows motorists to recognise Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses and individual team members across the country who have gone beyond the call of duty when assisting them.

To find this year’s Regional Star Award winners and finalists, and the name to be etched on to the highly sought after national trophy, customers were invited to submit online nominations for independent garages and franchise dealerships, detailing how they excelled in the motorists’ time of need, and where gestures of kindness, generosity and altruism made the all-important difference.

These entries were then whittled down by The Motor Ombudsman based on the written explanations from consumers to create a shortlist of 24 finalists across eight regions spanning the UK, stretching from the Cornwall coastline to the Shetland Isles. They were then passed to a judging panel comprising motor industry and consumer experts to reach a joint consensus on this year’s winners, and those submissions that were deemed the two worthy finalists in each category.

In what was a closely fought contest, five independent garages and three franchise dealerships claimed victory in this year’s Regional Star Awards. Despite facing stiff competition from last year’s National winner AJ Fleetcare in Leeds, and a technician at a Cheshire car dealership – who had also received glowing testimonials, Napoleon Garage was chosen by judges as this year’s trophy holder for the North.

The independent garage was commended for venturing out of hours on a cold and dark Sunday night after receiving a call from a customer’s sister to help their shivering parents suffering from ill health, and the nominee’s anxious daughter, after their vehicle had broken down on the side of a busy road, and where the breakdown service was unable to assist them that evening. Without hesitation, the team at Napoleon Garage went to rescue them, taking the family safely back home, and the car to their premises, getting it back on the road within just 48 hours.

The latest Regional Star Award recipients also saw two garages become the most successful ever regional winners since the Star Awards competition made its debut in 2020. The first – Garej Arwyn Cyf, an independent garage near to Anglesey, claimed their third consecutive trophy for Wales, whilst Courtwood Car Services in Middlesex also scored back-to-back wins for the southern region, making it a hat-trick of victories to date.

To determine the name that would grace this year’s National Star Award, which will be presented next week at the Houses of Parliament in London, thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)’s Hero Awards, Napoleon Garage, alongside the seven other regional trophy holders, were then brought together once again for the final evaluation of the session. With each of the winning entries considered on their own merits, it was the nomination for the long-established Bradford business that once again shined the brightest, and saw them named this year’s recipient of the prestigious trophy and £2,000 in high street vouchers.

Azhar Mahmood, Director of Napoleon Garage, said: “We were highly commended in last year’s Star Awards contest, so to go one better and win both our region and the national prize, is a true honour. We were blown away when we found out that we had won, and to celebrate such a special anniversary with a top motor industry award is the icing on a cake, and adds another important moment to our history.”  

Azhar added: “We would like to thank all customers who nominated us this year, and we value their continued support and loyalty, which ultimately has allowed us to thrive and grow. We will be celebrating this incredible achievement as a team, and proudly showing off our trophies to everyone that walks through the door.”

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “The calibre of entries in this year’s competition was extremely high, with so many great examples of accredited businesses and individual staff members going the extra mile to do whatever is needed to help, thanks to their proactive approach.”

Bill added: “Napoleon Garage embodies what our Star Awards ultimately recognise – going far beyond what would ordinarily be expected in the working day, and choosing to use their own time out of hours to help someone else that found themselves in a very challenging situation – both mentally and physically. It was a unanimous decision amongst the judging panel that Azhar Mahmood and his team should be on the top step this year, and it is an honour presenting the trophy to Napoleon Garage in the very special surroundings of the Houses of Parliament.”    

Neil Barlow, Head of Vehicle Policy and Engineering at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) – a judge for the 2025 Star Awards, said: “I would like to thank The Motor Ombudsman for involving us for a third consecutive year on the judging panel for their Star Awards.

 “It’s encouraging to see that standards were very high across all entries this year and I’d like to congratulate the team at Napoleon Garage on their success. They should be very proud of their achievement.

 “This award really demonstrates the excellent standards of service that exist in the industry and sets a great example to others on how to build and maintain strong customer relationships.” 

For more information on The Motor Ombudsman’s Star Awards, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Awards.

“Napoleon Garage embodies what our Star Awards ultimately recognise – going far beyond what would ordinarily be expected in the working day.”

Bill Fennell

Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman

ENDS

The businesses and individuals crowned Regional Star Award winners in 2025, and those which are finalists are: 

• NORTH: Napoleon Garage (BD4) Ltd. (Bradford, Yorkshire), for coming to the rescue of a family stranded at the roadside after their vehicle broke down on a Sunday evening, and for quickly turning around the repairs to keep inconvenience to a minimum.

Finalists: AJ Fleetcare (Leeds, Yorkshire) and Jake Watson at Eastham Motors (Birkenhead, Cheshire)

• SOUTH: Courtwood Car Services (Uxbridge, Middlesex), for quickly diagnosing an issue and repairing a vehicle to allow the owner to get away on holiday without delay.

Finalists: Brayley Suzuki Hendon (London), and Concept Motors (Purfleet, Essex)

• EAST: Wings of Peterborough Ltd. (Cambridgeshire), for working out-of-hours to hand over a car to a customer who was pressured for time, and for the highly personable approach. 

Finalists: Holden Honda Norwich (Norfolk) and John Banks Honda Ipswich (Suffolk)

• WEST: CM Motors (Porkellis, Cornwall), for diagnosing and fixing complex issues with a customer’s vehicle, and proactively collecting and returning it to the home of the customer who was suffering from ill health.

Finalists: Aaron Pryor at AP Auto Repairs (Helston, Cornwall), and Heritage of Volkswagen Salisbury (Wiltshire)

• THE MIDLANDS: RT Motors (Retford) Ltd. (Nottinghamshire), for a very approachable service, and going to a customer’s home out of hours on a Sunday to jump-start their vehicle.

Finalists: Car Friend (Staffordshire) and Carl Jenney at Nunns Mazda (Grimsby, Lincolnshire)

• NORTHERN IRELAND: Roadside (Garages) Ltd. (Coleraine, County Londonderry) for quickly sourcing a new vehicle for a customer at a time of personal loss, after repairs to their existing vehicle proved prohibitive.  

Finalists: Donnelly Honda Belfast (Newtonabbey, County Antrim), and Shelborne Motors Group (Newry, County Down / County Armagh)

• SCOTLAND: W Livingstone Ltd. (Glasgow, Lanarkshire), for going out of their way to collect and return a vehicle for an MOT whilst the customer was recovering from surgery.

Finalists: Anderson Clark Motor Repairs (Inverness, Inverness-shire) and Western Honda (Edinburgh, Lothian)

• WALES: Garej Arwyn Cyf (Penygroes, Gwynedd), for undertaking an immediate repair on a customer’s car with no prior notice, despite having a very busy workload on the day that they visited.

Finalists: Ashley Ioannides at Griffin Mill Garages (Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf) and Torrin-Dean Merritt at JMP Automotive Services (Gwent)

National Star Award winners – Hall of Fame

2025: Napoleon Garage, Bradford, Yorkshire (independent garage)  

2024: AJ Fleetcare, Leeds, Yorkshire (independent garage)  

2023: Luke Laurence, Sales Executive at Crown Suzuki, Hendon, North London (individual team member)

2022: Roadside (Garages) Kia, Coleraine, Northern Ireland (franchise car dealership)

2021: TheGarage (Whitburn), Whitburn, Scotland (independent garage)

2020: Dukes AutoTech, St Austell, Cornwall (independent garage)

2025 Community Star Award winner: Britannia MOT & Repair Centre Ltd.

Finalists: Car Care Plan Limited, Su at Chapelhouse Motor Group

Judging panel for The Motor Ombudsman’s 2025 Star Awards

Bill Fennell: Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director, The Motor Ombudsman (Host Judge)

Neil Barlow: Head of Vehicle Policy and Engineering, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) 

Lesley Crompton: Head of Resolution Services, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)

Nicola St Clair: Editor, Autotechnician Magazine

The post Napoleon Garage scoops top national trophy in TMO’s Star Awards appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

• Garej Arwyn Cyf, an independent garage in Penygroes (Gwynedd), has won this year’s Regional Star Award for Wales   
• They become the first Motor Ombudsman-accredited business in the history of the competition to win a trophy three years in a row
• Garej Arwyn Cyf, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, was recognised by a consumer for conducting repairs to their vehicle with no prior notice in an already-busy schedule for the vehicle repairer
• The Motor Ombudsman’s annual Star Awards contest allows customers to recognise accredited businesses and individual team members across the country who have gone the extra mile when assisting them

Garej Arwyn Cyf, an independent vehicle repairer in Penygroes, Gwynedd, has been crowned the winner of The Motor Ombudsman’s Regional Star Award for Wales for the third year in a row. This is the first time that any Motor Ombudsman-accredited business has achieved such a feat since the Star Awards competition debuted in 2020. The Ombudsman’s annual contest allows customers to shine the spotlight on businesses and individuals across the UK that are signed up to the body’s respected Motor Industry Codes of Practice, for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Garej Arwyn’s journey to their latest triumph started earlier this year with The Motor Ombudsman inviting consumers to share their ‘good news stories’ – short explanations detailing how a business or an individual staff member went the extra mile in their ‘time of need’. At the culmination of the nomination period, these gestures of altruism, kindness and generosity, shown within the heart-warming accounts received by The Motor Ombudsman, were then whittled down to form a shortlist of three finalists across eight regions, spanning Cornwall in the south to Scotland in the north.  

From these submissions, it was up to the judges appointed for this year’s contest – motor industry and consumer experts, to come to a joint consensus as to the names to be etched on to this year’s trophies, as well as the two runners-up for each category. For the Regional Star Award for Wales, and up against stiff competition from a car dealership and another independent garage, it was the immediate response by Garej Arwyn to help a consumer who needed an urgent repair to their vehicle, with no prior notice, that caught the eye of the panel – awarding them the win for the third consecutive year.

Arwyn Hughes, Director at Garej Arwyn Cyf, said: “We are truly blown away by winning the Welsh regional trophy once again, and being the first to claim a consecutive hat-trick of wins. This is a reflection of the sheer determination and continued dedication to providing the best level of service and to doing whatever we can to help, as we know how critical vehicles are to the independence of local residents.”

Arwyn added: “This is a very timely achievement as we celebrate two decades of serving motorists, and we are truly grateful to all the customers who put us forward with such great feedback.”

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We would like to congratulate Garej Arwyn on winning the Regional Star Award for Wales for the third year in a row, which is a very impressive feat.

“The way that the business went the extra mile for a customer in their time of need, is a perfect example of the great service that our accredited garage network can provide to motorists across the country. We look forward to working alongside Garej Arwyn for many more years to come.”

“We would like to congratulate Garej Arwyn on winning the Regional Star Award for Wales for the third year in a row, which is a very impressive feat.”

Bill Fennell

Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman

For more information on The Motor Ombudsman’s Star Awards, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Awards.

ENDS

Team photo (from left to right): Steffan, Elin, Sioned, Gwenfair, and Martin

Judging panel for The Motor Ombudsman’s 2025 Star Awards

Bill Fennell: Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director, The Motor Ombudsman (Host Judge)

Neil Barlow: Head of Vehicle Policy and Engineering, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) 

Lesley Crompton: Head of Resolution Services, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)

Nicola St Clair: Editor, Autotechnician Magazine

The post Garej Arwyn Cyf scores third consecutive win in TMO’s Star Awards appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

• The Motor Ombudsman’s annual Customer Service Star Awards allow motorists to nominate accredited vehicle manufacturers and warranty providers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty
• Honda UK is recognised for going the extra mile when assisting a consumer with organising repairs to an imported model following a recall
• The vehicle manufacturer claims its third Customer Service Star Award, and a second consecutive win, becoming the most acclaimed carmaker so far in the competition  
• The Motoring Organisation takes victory in the warranty provider category thanks to the organisation of a rapid repair of a vehicle and keeping customer inconvenience to a minimum
• The Sheffield-based warranty business receives its second Customer Service Star Award, after previously claiming the category win two years ago

The Motor Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for the automotive sector, is pleased to announce that Honda UK and The Motoring Organisation have been crowned the winners of its 2025 Customer Service Star Awards. The accolades, which form part of the Ombudsman’s annual Star Awards contest, invite motorists to recognise vehicle manufacturers and warranty providers that are accredited to the body’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars and Vehicle Warranties respectively, for going beyond the call of duty when assisting them.

In the first stage of the competition, customers who have sought assistance from the head offices of these businesses, are invited to submit a short account to The Motor Ombudsman to shine the spotlight on those that excel in providing the highest level of customer service in a vehicle owner’s time of need. These nominations were then whittled down by the Ombudsman to create a shortlist of three finalists in each of the two categories for this year’s panel of motor industry and consumer experts, to come to a joint consensus as to which entry would have their name etched on to a trophy, and those which would be highly commended as the 2025 runners-up.

For the Customer Service Star Award for vehicle manufacturers, the three carmakers in contention for silverware were, Alfa Romeo UK, one-time winner Genesis Motor UK and two-time trophy holders Honda UK. With each submission considered on its own merits, it was the nomination for Honda which unanimously stood out with the judges for the second consecutive year.

This was from an individual who owned an imported vehicle from Japan, which was recalled due to issues with the car’s suspension. On receiving the enquiry, Honda’s customer service team in Berkshire set about assisting the customer with help organising the repairs needed, resulting in a very grateful driver.

The group of warranty providers saw Autoguard Warranties – that emerged triumphant in 2021 and 2024, The Motoring Organisation – winners in 2023 and runners-up in 2024, and Warranty Solutions Group, go head-to-head as the 2025 finalists in contention to win a Customer Service Award. It was however, the entry from The Motoring Organisation that caught the eye of the judging panel, and was deemed worthy of the business lifting the 2025 Customer Service Star Award for the category after they went the extra mile to arrange a swift repair of a customer’s vehicle following a breakdown, and keeping inconvenience to a minimum.

Jonathan Butcher, Operations Director at The Motoring Organisation, said: “We are very pleased to have won our second Customer Service Star Award, completing what has been a very successful year for our business. Being recognised by our customers three years’ running clearly demonstrates how we uphold the core values of our Motor Ombudsman accreditation and our philosophy of always putting the customers at the very heart of what we do. We look forward to celebrating this latest triumph as a team, and we remain focused on delivering the highest levels of service to our clients and customers.”

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “The calibre of entries in this year’s competition was extremely high, with so many great examples of accredited businesses and individual staff members going above and beyond, thanks to their proactive approach and passion for great customer service.”

Bill added: “We are delighted to recognise these unsung customer service champions and the positive contributions they have made. We are also proud to have these businesses within our nationwide accredited network and look forward to continuing to support them into 2026 and beyond.”

“We are delighted to recognise these unsung customer service champions and the positive contributions they have made.”

Bill Fennell

Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman

For more information on The Motor Ombudsman’s Star Awards, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Awards.

ENDS

The post Honda UK and The Motoring Organisation top 2025 Customer Service Star Awards appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

• A Motor Ombudsman study has found that, on average, more than half (60%) of young drivers aged 17 to 34 are of the opinion that they would need to pay for repairs if their car was affected by a recall – a process designed to fix any safety faults at no cost to motorists
• Over a fifth (22%) of 17- to 24-year-olds would rely on the seller to inform them of any existing recalls for a car they would be looking to buy
• The Motor Ombudsman website (TheMotorOmbudsman.org) has a dedicated category on its Knowledge Base offering bite-sized FAQs on recalls, as well as a recalls database to check for affected vehicles

Passing a driving test and owning a car for the first time is often an exciting milestone for young drivers, signalling a newfound independence. However, a study by a motoring expert has revealed that confusion is likely to set in if they were to be informed by the manufacturer of their car that there was a recall for a safety issue, and were advised to take it to a dealership to be fixed.  

The poll by The Motor Ombudsman, which quizzed 1,100 drivers across the nation, has seen on average, more than half (60%)¹ of young motorists aged between 17 and 34², incorrectly assuming that they would have to foot the bill in the event of a recall. Motorists are typically notified via a letter from the carmaker that known faults need putting right because of how their specific model was built – a service which is always free of charge to motorists.

The latest research showed the majority (56%)¹ of 17- to 24-year-olds sharing the school of thought that recall repairs were payable, with this level of unfamiliarity then rising to around six in ten (62%)¹ drivers aged between 25 and 34. In contrast, motorists of 55 years and over emerged from the study as the most conversant with this element of the recalls process, with only 9%¹ believing they would need to pay for recall repairs. This is likely thanks to a longer driving career, and possible experience of having gone through the motions of such a process in the past.

In addition, the findings of the survey highlighted that just over three in ten males (35%) getting behind the wheel believed there would be an associated cost for their car going on the ramp in the event of a recall versus around a fifth of female drivers (23%).

Sam Burton, Group Aftersales Manager at The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Gates car dealerships, said: “It may be daunting, especially for first-time car owners, to receive a letter in the post out the blue, or to read in the news, that your car – often a prized possession and a significant investment, suddenly has something wrong with it.”

“A recall notice is ultimately issued with everyone’s safety in mind, and often explains what the problem is, and the recommended steps for drivers to get their car fixed, and we urge anyone that gets such a letter to not ignore it and book their vehicle in when they can. Just as important to remember is that you should never be handed an invoice for the work, as this is not related to how you have driven or how long you have owned the car.”

The poll also highlighted that around a fifth of 17- to 24-year-olds (22%) – often making their debut car purchases as new drivers, would solely look to sellers to inform them of any existing recalls affecting the actual vehicles they were looking to buy, rather than doing this as part of their own homework prior to signing on the dotted line. This compares to 12% of 25- to 34-year-olds, who are the least reliant age group on sellers for such information.

“At a time when many are feeling the pinch, it is essential that this misconception amongst the younger driving population about thinking they are liable for the cost of repairs under the recall programme does not act as a deterrent for not following the recommendations of vehicle manufacturers by deferring essential work needed”, explains Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman.

Bill added: “The recalls scheme is a long-established and effective safety net for consumers to be aware of any known issues as and when they arise, to give the means to put them right, and to never be out of pocket. As a new driver, there’s often a lot to learn about the car purchase and ownership journey. We therefore have some easily accessible and digestible resources on our website for motorists to stay up to speed and be familiar with how the recalls process works, as well as being able to check if a specific car is impacted by one.”  

“The recalls scheme is a long-established and effective safety net for consumers to be aware of any known issues as and when they arise, to give the means to put them right, and to never be out of pocket.”

Bill Fennell

Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman

To view the dedicated category on recalls on The Motor Ombudsman’s Knowledge Base, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/knowledge-base-category/recalls.

To check for affected vehicles on The Motor Ombudsman’s recalls database, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/vehicle-recalls.

ENDS

[1] Combines ‘I believe I would have to make some kind of contribution’ and ‘I believe I would have to pay the full cost’ options.

[2] Combines ’17-24’ and ’25-34’ age groups.

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,100 full driving licence holders. The data was collected between 29.08.25 to 02.09.25. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

The post Motoring expert reveals cost confusion over recall repairs amongst young drivers appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

• Geely Auto UK is the latest brand to join The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars, ahead of the all-electric Geely EX5 SUV going on sale later this month
• More than 50 vehicle manufacturers are accredited to the Code, which covers around 98% of all new cars sold across the country
• As a new standalone brand in the UK market, adhering to the New Car Code underlines Geely Auto UK’s commitment to delivering the very highest standards in the supply of vehicles and warranty products to motorists
• Being signed up to the New Car Code brings several benefits for vehicle manufacturers, namely unlimited access to the Ombudsman’s independent and impartial in-house and automotive-specific Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, an Information Line for tailored and expert guidance, and opportunities to participate in industry roundtables and bespoke training programmes

The Motor Ombudsman is pleased to announce that Geely Auto UK has gained accreditation to its Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars. The vehicle manufacturer is the latest brand to join the comprehensive and renowned Code that oversees best practice in relation to the supply and management of new vehicles and warranty policies by carmakers, and covers around 98% of all new cars sold across the country.

The Motor Ombudsman’s New Car Code, which is today adhered to by more than 50 vehicle manufacturers, encompasses a series of guidelines, spanning 10 different areas, ranging from advertising and warranties, to internal customer complaint procedures and the provision of parts for repairs, where carmakers commit to going above and beyond their legal obligations to deliver the very highest standards of service when interacting with customers.  

Amongst the wide array of requirements stipulated by the Code, which was recently evolved in line with technological developments and consumer trends in the automotive sector, businesses for example, must adhere to the use of clear and accurate communications, promotional material, warranty documentation, and terms and conditions, to ensure that they are easy to understand and not open to misinterpretation – especially for consumers who may be considered vulnerable. Car manufacturers equally pledge to offer products, such as service plans, that are in line with customer needs, and to have effective in-house processes so as to ensure that consumers receive a fair and swift response should there be an element of dissatisfaction that needs to be addressed.

Being signed up to The Motor Ombudsman’s New Car Code brings several exclusive benefits, especially for more unfamiliar brands selling vehicles to UK motorists for the first time. These are namely access to The Motor Ombudsman’s Business Information Line for expert and tailored guidance relating to best practice and customer care, being able to signpost customers to the Ombudsman’s in-house and fully impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service at no cost to consumers should an issue remain unresolved, as well as exclusive opportunities to participate in motor industry roundtables and learning and development programmes.

Valuable exposure from The Motor Ombudsman’s marketing initiatives and established online presence delivers another compelling advantage for today’s carmakers and new entrants. Vehicle manufacturers signed up to the New Car Code receive a bespoke profile on The Motor Ombudsman’s popular website (TheMotorOmbudsman.org), used by hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, whilst also benefiting from inclusion in the body’s communications and social media activities.

Another core benefit for Geely Auto UK is the privilege of displaying the widely recognised Motor Ombudsman and Approved Code logos on their website and customer-facing materials – powerful and trusted endorsements of a business striving to do the very best for its customers.

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We are delighted to welcome Geely Auto UK as a vehicle manufacturer accredited to our New Car Code, as we join the brand at the exciting time of starting their retail journey across the nation.

“Providing an exceptional level of customer service is fundamental to forging a strong and trusted reputation in today’s competitive automotive landscape. Accreditation to the Code reinforces this desire to create a positive purchase and ownership experience as Geely Auto UK builds a loyal and established customer base and cultivates lasting relationships.”

Mike Yang, General Manager at Geely Auto UK, explained: “We are very excited to be launching our first model in the UK and to be formally opening the order books to customers in this country. Having an authoritative automotive body, such as The Motor Ombudsman, at our side, reflects our drive for operational excellence, whilst reinforcing our pledge that customers are our most important asset, and where going the extra mile is a core element of the Geely brand philosophy.

“We look forward to working alongside The Motor Ombudsman – an authority in the motor industry, and benefiting from their expertise and the many opportunities offered by accreditation to this highly-respected Code of Practice.”

“We are delighted to welcome Geely Auto UK as a vehicle manufacturer accredited to our New Car Code, as we join the brand at the exciting time of starting their retail journey across the nation.”

Bill Fennell

Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman

For more information on The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars, and accredited vehicle manufacturers, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/consumers/our-codes-of-practice/new-car-code.

ENDS

The post TMO’s New Car Code portfolio expands with the addition of Geely Auto UK appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.