FORD has replicated Vauxhall's 'toe in the water' three-year warranty initiative amid increased speculation that Britain's leading fleet manufacturers will introduce the additional cover as standard on all new vehicles.

Until May 31 Ford is offering three-year/36,000 mile cover for private buyers of Galaxy, Scorpio and Probe models, while private buyers and fleets of under 100 vehicles will receive three year/60,000 miles cover on Transits and light vans. The additional cover also includes European roadside assistance and accident assistance through the RAC. In making the announcement Ford emphasised that its Maverick and Explorer 4x4 ranges already came with three-year cover.

Vauxhall's offer, which also runs out on May 31, sees private buyers benefiting from a 36,000 mile/three-year warranty on Vectra, Omega, Calibra and Sintra models and a three-year/60,000 mile warranty on any new van bought by private buyers or businesses operating up to 99 vehicles. Ford estimates it could cost £200-£300 per vehicle to introduce three-year cover as standard.