Finance provider Payment Assist has launched a new all-in-one payment platform designed specifically for automotive businesses.
The company says its new Ignition platform gives dealers, bodyshops, garages and fitters a single place to manage customer payments, including those made via debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Open Banking.
Payments can be taken in person, over the phone or with a secure payment link.
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The platform features a range of flexible finance options for dealers to offer to customers, including interest-free short-term finance over three, four, six and nine months, a ‘pay in 30 days’ option, longer-term interest-bearing finance and a range of business lending products.
Ignition also incorporates Pay by Bank, allowing customers to secure bank-to-bank payments directly from their account, with faster settlement and lower processing costs compared with traditional card payments and a simpler payment experience for customers.
Range of business sizes accommodated
Payment Assist says the platform is designed to work for all business types, from independent workshops to multi-site dealer groups.
It says the launch of the platform reflects its move from being a specialist automotive finance provider to becoming a broader payment technology business
Chris Masters, chief commercial officer at Payment Assist, said: “Ignition is another important step forward for Payment Assist and, more importantly, for the 9,000 automotive businesses we already support.
“Motor traders want to give customers choice when it comes to paying for repairs, servicing and other purchases, but managing multiple payment providers can add unnecessary complexity.
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“Our new platform brings those payment and finance options together in one place, making it easier for garages and dealers to take payments securely, give customers greater flexibility and ultimately remove hassle from the payment process.”