A new voluntary industry standard setting out benchmarks for dealer car and van deliveries, in particular for EVs, has launched from the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP).

The AFP Dealer Standard is intended to ensure the vehicle is delivered in excellent condition to the fleet end-user and that they are shown the fundamentals of how it works and treated courteously

Introduced to ensure a high degree of consistency in vital areas, the AFP Dealer Standard consists of 28 points on pre-delivery standards, vehicle condition on handover, and familiarisation with its key functions.

It’s intended to ensure the vehicle is delivered in excellent condition to the fleet end-user and that they are shown the fundamentals of how it works and treated courteously.

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said that the need for such a benchmark had increasingly become apparent due to a number of different factors – including adoption of electric vehicles.

“Probably the most significant is that cars and vans have been rapidly becoming more complex. The time when a driver could sit in the seat of a new model and work out all the key functions in a couple of minutes are long gone.

“Modern vehicles require a degree of familiarisation on handover – especially in instances where drivers are adopting an electric model for the first time – in order to be used safely and effectively.”

Hollick also said that handover standards had started to vary considerably, due to issues such as the pandemic and supply challenges.

“What we hope to encourage is a high degree of consistency in important areas such as ensuring that vehicles arrive with a high level of charge.”

The new standard is being run as an industry benchmark on a voluntary basis, and dealers can sign up to the scheme for a fee. They can then use the Dealer Standard logo in marketing materials and tenders, while also becoming a member of the AFP at large.

The scheme has already garnered a high level of interest among major dealers.

“They recognise the importance of getting this crucial element of the fleet customer experience right and the first few who have decided to take part should be announced within a few weeks,” added Hollick.

Further details about the AFP Dealer Standard can be found at theafp.co.uk/afp-dealer-standard/ or by e-mailing administration@theafp.co.uk.