FORD has launched a two-year warranty for all used cars sold through the Ford Direct scheme - despite maintaining a one-year warranty on its new vehicles. The used car offer lasts until the end of the year, and prompted some British International Motor Show visitors to ask if Ford has more confidence in its used cars than in its new vehicles.

The subject of warranties has embarrassed Ford before. The Nissan Terrano and Ford Maverick - effectively the same car built on the same line in Spain - were launched with three- and one-year warranties respectively. And Mazda's rebadged Fiesta, the 121, still carries a three-year guarantee against the Ford's one-year warranty - despite both vehicles being built at Dagenham.

The Ford Direct operation covers vehicles up to four years old and up to 50,000 miles on the clock, which have been inspected and approved by the RAC to ensure high quality levels. A Ford spokeswoman said: 'The 24-month Ford Direct warranty is a special offer which just runs until the end of the year. After that the cars will revert to one-year warranties.'

Malcolm Fryer, manager of Ford Direct, said: 'The Ford direct scheme continues to grow. The used car market is three times the size of the new car market in the UK, and we believe that the used car customer should receive the same treatment and peace of mind enjoyed by the new car buyer. More than 150,000 customers have placed their trust in Ford Direct since its launch in 1994.'