Leapmotor jumps at the opportunity to gain accreditation to Motor Ombudsman's New Car Code
Leapmotor, the electric vehicle brand, and a new entrant to the UK market, has become the latest automaker to join The Motor Ombudsman’s New Car Code
50 vehicle manufacturers are today committed to the comprehensive guidelines stipulated by the motor industry Code of Practice – the most ever to do so at any one time
The established Code, which covers 98% of all new cars sold in the UK, oversees the supply of vehicles and warranties provided by carmakers at the point of sale
Key benefits of accreditation for Leapmotor, include the ability to consult The Motor Ombudsman's experienced automotive-specific and in-house dispute resolution service in the event of a customer complaint, a dedicated business information line for practical guidance, as well as added marketing exposure through The Motor Ombudsman’s marketing initiatives
The Motor Ombudsman, the Ombudsman dedicated to the automotive sector, has expanded the portfolio of vehicle manufacturers accredited to its Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars, with the addition of Leapmotor. The electric car brand, which launched its first models in the UK at the beginning of this year, is the 50th vehicle manufacturer to commit to complying with the requirements of the long-established Code, which sets out a number of obligations for the provision of new vehicles and warranties to consumers. Today, the Code covers 98% of all new cars sold across the UK.
Leapmotor’s accreditation sees the business abiding by the latest iteration of The Motor Ombudsman’s Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved New Car Code, after it was updated in line with the evolution of the automotive sector, technological advancements, and consumer buying behaviour. The comprehensive Code outlines nearly 100 individual guidelines for businesses, to promote full transparency and high standards. These include a requirement for the provision of easy-to-understand messaging in customer documentation and promotional material, presenting warranty terms in plain English whilst clearly listing any exclusions, and making sure spare parts are available from the time a new model is launched. Vehicle manufacturers also promise to take effective action to ensure that consumers receive a fair and swift response should a complaint arise.
Furthermore, accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman’s New Car Code offers several exclusive benefits, which Leapmotor will also be able to call on. These are namely, having access to The Motor Ombudsman’s in-house CTSI-certified Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, for assistance with resolving a complaint should it not be concluded with a consumer in the first instance, a dedicated business line for tailored information and practical guidance, as well as the opportunity for head office team members to attend Motor Ombudsman events, round tables, and training programmes which explore pertinent trends and key developments impacting the automotive sector.
With Leapmotor being signed up to the New Car Code, this grants the privilege of the automaker being able to apply the renowned Motor Ombudsman and CTSI Approved Code logos on customer-facing literature and online assets to showcase their accreditation. As a new proposition for UK consumers, added brand exposure for Leapmotor will also be delivered via a profile on the popular Motor Ombudsman website (TheMotorOmbudsman.org), and through the body’s many marketing initiatives, such as the annual Star Awards.
In addition, consumers purchasing a Leapmotor model, such as the all-electric T03 city car or the C10 SUV, will also have the added reassurance that dealerships within the manufacturer’s franchise retail network, which is set to expand to 80 sites by the end of 2025, are accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Vehicle Sales Code, which ensures high standards of quality and service, beyond those required by law, for the sale of a new or used car.
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leapmotor to our New Car Code of Practice, emphasising the exceptional value that accreditation brings to vehicle manufacturers, particularly for a brand that is looking to drive exposure in a competitive UK car market. Delivering high standards underpins the reputation of a brand, and the New Car Code acts as an important foundation and reference point for following the principles of best practice. We look forward to working with this very exciting brand.”
Damien Dally, Managing Director at Leapmotor UK: “Accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman is a crucial stepping stone to building a positive presence amongst first-time owners, and signals to consumers that we are striving to be the best in everything we do – a core element of our brand values. This is coupled with the added reassurance that there is an automotive-specific and impartial third party to call on should we be unable to resolve a complaint via our own internal processes.”