Nectar has announced that it has renewed its contract with Ford, enabling Nectar collectors to continue collecting and redeeming points on MOTs, non-warranty repairs and servicing.

The announcement of the renewal comes as Ford revealed that the Nectar programme, owned by global loyalty management company Aimia, has been responsible for a 21% increase in year-on-year customer retention for Ford.

The partnership has seen Nectar and Ford work together to create a loyal community of 1.5 million customers. Although receiving repairs, services and MOTs are not frequent events, the scheme allows Ford to offer incentives to its customers to reward them for their loyalty and to keep the brand on their radars by providing timely and relevant offers.

Loyalty points gained from using a Ford service centre can be used at a range of other retailers who are part of the Nectar loyalty programme including Sainsbury’s and Argos.

The renewal of the partnership coincides with Ford’s winter offer which enables Nectar collectors to collect double points on all winter tyre purchases until 28 February 2012.

Jon Wellsman, director, Ford customer service division says: “In the current climate, retaining customers is critical. Our partnership with Nectar has enabled us to go about this more strategically than many of our competitors by rewarding customers with meaningful offers - a clear driver in their decision to revisit one of our dealerships.

"The points they collect can be used the next day on the high-street so Nectar provides an added incentive which we know solus loyalty programmes can’t offer.“