Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions has been at the centre of an extensive investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which uncovered issues related to discretionary commission arrangements in motor finance agreements. This investigation, with reference number 304:87, led to significant changes and redress for affected customers who financed cars or vans through Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions between April 6, 2007, and November 1, 2024.
Who is Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions?
Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions is a subsidiary of the larger financial services company, Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC. The parent company operates under the Novuna brand, which represents a shift in branding for several financial service entities within the group. Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions specialises in providing financing solutions for vehicles such as cars and vans. Their operations are designed to support both individual consumers and small businesses seeking flexible finance options.
What Happened
The FCA investigation into discretionary commission arrangements revealed that some motor finance agreements entered into with lenders like Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions may have been mis-sold due to inappropriate commission practices by intermediaries or brokers. The focus of the inquiry was on whether these commissions were fair and transparent, particularly regarding their impact on consumer borrowing costs.
The FCA found that discretionary commission arrangements could lead to higher interest rates for customers without clear disclosure or justification. This practice may have caused consumers to pay more than they should for their vehicle finance agreements, impacting thousands of individuals who financed cars or vans through Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions during the specified period.
How Many People Are Affected
According to FCA estimates, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) by these issues across all lenders. The total estimated redress from this investigation is £7.5 billion (FCA estimate), with an FCA-estimated average of £829 per eligible agreement for those who qualify (FCA estimate). This extensive review covers the period from April 6, 2007, to November 1, 2024, highlighting the long-term impact and widespread nature of this problem within the motor finance industry.
How to Complain to Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions Directly
If you believe your car or van financing agreement with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions may have been affected by these issues, it is important to complain directly to the lender. You can do so at no cost through their dedicated complaints page: https://www.hitachicapitalvehiclesolutions.co.uk/complaints. Alternatively, you can contact them via phone at 0344 375 5577 or by post to Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, Hitachi Capital House, Thorpe Road, Staines TW18 3HP.
It is crucial to note that you do not need a claims management company to handle your complaint. You can complain directly to Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions for free and seek the appropriate redress based on FCA guidelines.
What to Do Next
To effectively address any potential issues with your motor finance agreement, it is advisable to gather all relevant documents such as loan agreements, payment records, and correspondence related to your financing. Check if your agreement falls within the specified timeframe of April 6, 2007, to November 1, 2024.
Once you have collected this information, submit a detailed complaint to Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions through their complaints page or by contacting them directly via phone or post. Be sure to clearly outline your concerns and provide any necessary documentation to support your case.
Timeline
When submitting a complaint to Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, you should expect an initial response within 8 weeks of the date your complaint was received. If you do not receive a satisfactory resolution during this period, you may escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for further review and mediation.
By following these steps and adhering to the outlined timeline, consumers can seek appropriate redress and address any issues related to discretionary commission arrangements in their motor finance agreements with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions.
Latest: The FCA has confirmed the car finance compensation scheme on 30 March 2026. 12.1 million agreements are eligible, with an FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement. Read the full details.
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MLJ.org.uk (mlj.org.uk) is a free, independent information service. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not handle complaints, process claims, charge fees, or accept any percentage of compensation. This information does not constitute legal or financial advice. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company. If your lender rejects your complaint, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service at no cost. For personalised legal or financial advice, consult a qualified professional.