MERCEDES-Benz is using its Hampstead showroom to trial a new 'while you wait' service concept aimed at small fleets and cash-for-car drivers.

An 'A' service will take 45 minutes and a full service 1.5 hours. Customers will be given a timed appointment and can sit and relax in a lounge while work takes place. If successful, the scheme may be rolled out to other parts of the UK.

Mike Lishman, market area director for Mercedes-Benz, said: 'The traditional approach of a car being serviced by one technician on one ramp means a full service can take four hours. This can mean the customer losing the use of the car for a whole day. At Hampstead we will be using a five-strong team specially trained to service one car on one ramp and turn a full service around in under 1.5 hours.'

Servicing will be charged at a fixed rate rather than by the hour.