FORD franchised dealers will get a new online authorisation system after the manufacturer signed up to the Epyx 1Link Service Network.

Dealers will use the system for online maintenance authorisation, payment processing and online booking for fleets.

Todd Zucker, fleet aftermarket manager at Ford, said: 'By partnering with 1Link Service Network, it allows us to improve operating efficiencies at our fleets and dealers, therefore reducing their administrative costs and improving their ability to maintain and service Ford vehicles.

'The option of online payment processing is something that we believe will be popular, and means that our franchise dealers will have fewer invoices rejected and be paid more promptly.'

Ford will switch from its current Ford Fleet Service Manager software to 1Link this month.

Greg Connell, managing director at Epyx, said: 'Signing Ford to 1Link is significant because it means that we now have the backing of the single largest player in the UK motor industry.

'With 1Link Service Network, service and maintenance booking is faster and more reliable, and payments are made more reliably and more quickly. Also, the cost of processing is massively reduced.'

Ford Fleet customers include some of the largest names in the UK leasing sector, including Motability Finance, Lloyds TSB autolease, Lex Vehicle Leasing, Arval PHH and Hitachi Capital.