A NETWORK of used vehicle centres is being created across the UK by the Fiat group to serve all its brands including Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Abarth as well as Fiat vans and cars.

Set up to assure high quality for customers, the Fiat Abarth and Fiat Professional service is being called Found Approved and Used.

The Jeep and Alfa Romeo programme will be known as Selected For You.

The centres will be part of existing dealerships and already several have opened.

By the end of next year Fiat plans to have extended the set up to include more than 70 per cent of its 150-plus portfolio of showrooms.

Tristan Downs, remarketing manager for FCA UK which is responsible for all five brands in Britain said it had been more than 10 years since the organisation had operated an approved used vehicle service.

"The best way to buy a used car or commercial vehicle is through a manufacturer's approved programme," said Mr Downs.

Most vehicle included in the scheme will be less than five years old with under 60,000 miles on the clock and all will have undergone a full inspection before going on sale.

Customers will also be given the assurance of a 30 day or 1,000 mile exchange plan if they are dissatisfied.

All models will receive a full internal and exterior valet prior to release and each will come with 12 months vehicle breakdown cover as well as a 12 month warranty.

Mr Downs said that with many vehicles now being offered with an 80,000 or 100,000 mile warranty when new, the number of used cars coming to market still within the period of manufacturer cover was rising.

"Even today there is every possibility that a 2010 registration car will still have a good amount of life left in it," said Mr Downs.

Behind the scenes an online stock locator has been set up allowing prospective buyers to search for approved used Alfa Romeos and Jeeps, sporty Abarths and Fiat cars and vans online either from the brands' own websites or via the dealers' own portals.

Francis Bleasdale, fleet and remarketing director for the company said: "FCA UK is renowned for its excellent range of new cars and vans, and now we are able to offer consumers a great choice of used vehicles through a high quality approved programme,backed up with comprehensive warranties and the latest finance offers.

"It's an excellent proposition for our customers."