FORD has extended Ford Direct - its branded used car scheme - to cover vehicles of up to four years old after a protracted pilot scheme lasting three years. The manufacturer introduced the first 'Level 2' cars to the scheme to dealers in the north west last month and it will gradually be rolled out to the rest of the dealer network over the next few months.

The move is designed to further improve Ford residual values by giving it closer control of a wider cross-section of used vehicles. It was always intended to extend Ford Direct to a wider spectrum of used cars, but Ford was keen to establish the scheme's branding and credibility before including older used cars.

As with the original scheme, 'Level 2' cars will be prepared to uniform standards by Ford and come complete with an RAC check and 12-month warranty. Vehicles will continue to be sold electronically at fixed prices via an electronic stock locator and ultimately cars prepared by approved dealers will be included on the system.