The new Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty applies to all new cars purchased by both retail and fleet buyers and will cover all major components, including powertrain, steering system, brakes and electrical equipment, up to 100,000 miles with no time expiration.

‘With the Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty, we are making a strong statement of confidence in the quality of our products and a clear intent to provide the very best customer service in the UK,’ said Duncan Aldred, managing director of Vauxhall Motors, who added that the move represents 'a huge step forwards for the whole UK motor industry'.

The only stipulation announced is that owners need to visit a Vauxhall retailer annually for a free vehicle inspection – with most fleets already using the dealer network for servicing, maintenance and repairs according to Vauxhall, this won't impact on firms.

The lifetime warranty is currently being offered to the first owner only, with Vauxhall saying it is working on plans to allow second owners to purchase the warranty, adding that more details will follow in due course. From the fleet point of view, any plans to offer the warranty to a future buyer would increase its desirability to used buyers. However, according to Maurice Howkins, fleet sales director, rental and leasing companies have already said that they see an uplift in RVs due to the message of Vauxhall's confidence in its products, which will benefit fleets.