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Iveco has announced a new initiative to raise standards at its authorised service locations, while it admits that there have been previous issues with its dealer network.

The manufacturer plans to invest £1m into its 2008 Five-Star Customer Programme, which will offer bonuses to those service points that meet specific performance targets.

Nigel Emms, brand and communications director, says: "There have been issues to address across the network, with standards of service not as  equal as we'd like. The new programme aims to bring every dealer up to scratch, so the service you get in Scotland is the same you get in the South-West."

All heavy-truck dealers have signed an agreement committing to the programme, which includes a series of core requirements, such as an ambitious first-time MOT pass rate of 90%, excluding passes on resubmission.

Emms claims that all the targets are achievable: "We're not anticipating any problems with the demands from the programme, if there are exceptional circumstances, we will endeavour to work with the dealers to get them up to standard."

Quarterly results will be displayed in each dealership so customers can see the level of service provided.

The scheme is designed to help boost Iveco's UK heavy-truck market share by 2011 to 30% for Eurocargo and 15% for Stralis and Tracker. It comes on the back of Iveco's previously announced mini-CPC scheme for its dealerships. Each dealer has to send at least  one delegate on a course, which culminates in an exam and is designed to increase awareness of operator issues.