Fiat in innovative courtesy car deal with Nationwide Accident Repair
Fiat Group Automobiles UK is to extend its family of alliance partners following the announcement of a new fleet deal with Nationwide Accident Repair Services plc, the UK’s largest fixed site and mobile accident repair specialists.
Fiat Group Automobiles has already teamed up with several high profile businesses and organisations across the UK over the past 12 months, but has now linked with Nationwide to offer a unique proposition to the bodyshop industry.
With a supply of Alfa MiTo, 159 and Giulietta, and Fiat 500, Panda, Punto Evo and Bravo cars readily available, Nationwide will be able to supply an ‘instant upgrade’ courtesy car of a higher specification than the entry-level model normally expected by customers whose own car is damaged and off the road.
Additionally if the customer’s damaged car is deemed a write-off, Nationwide will offer its customers Fiat’s preferential rates to buy the courtesy car they are driving – or even a brand new one.
The arrangement, involving 400 cars, will initially be rolled out through 11 of Nationwide’s 73 centres across the UK – exclusively offering Fiat Group cars – with more sites expected to follow later in 2011.
“This deal is fully in line with Fiat’s fleet strategy,” says Paolo Lo Monaco, Finance and Business Development Director, FGA UK & Ireland. “Around 20 per cent of accident-damaged cars are written off in the UK, and this figure is rising each year, so the Nationwide agreement will clearly give Fiat Group the opportunity to offer extended test drives to retail customers at the right point of the purchasing cycle.”
Michael Wilmshurst, Chief Executive, Nationwide comments: “This is an exciting concept. Nationwide is committed to testing and developing innovative solutions for its customers, and this project provides a superb opportunity to develop a like-for-like courtesy car model that provides a viable alternative to credit hire, as well as enhancing the customer experience.”