Novuna Vehicle Finance Car Finance Claim: Was Your PCP or Hire Purchase Mis-Sold?

Who Is Novuna Vehicle Finance?

Novuna Vehicle Finance is the rebranded name of what was previously Hitachi Capital (UK) plc, which provided vehicle finance through dealerships across the UK for many years. The rebrand to Novuna took place in 2022 following the acquisition of Hitachi Capital by Mitsubishi HC Capital.

Importantly, if you are considering making a claim for a mis-sold car finance agreement, the relevant agreements would almost certainly have been issued under the Hitachi Capital name, as the DCA period ran from 2007 to January 2021 — well before the rebrand. You may therefore see references to Hitachi Capital on your original finance documents.

Like other lenders operating during the DCA period, Hitachi Capital was part of the discretionary commission arrangement system the FCA has identified as causing widespread consumer harm across the UK motor finance industry.

How Hitachi Capital / Novuna Agreements Worked

When a car dealer arranged Hitachi Capital finance on your behalf, the process typically worked like this:

• You chose a car and the dealer offered to arrange finance on your behalf.
• The dealer applied to Hitachi Capital for a loan on your behalf.
• Hitachi Capital set a base interest rate — but crucially, gave the dealer the power to adjust this rate upward.
• The higher the interest rate the dealer set, the more commission Hitachi Capital paid to the dealer.
• You were typically not told that the dealer was receiving commission, or that it was linked to your interest rate.

This arrangement — known as a discretionary commission arrangement (DCA) — was banned by the FCA in January 2021 precisely because it created a direct financial incentive for dealers to overcharge customers.

Why Some Hitachi Capital / Novuna Agreements May Have Been Mis-Sold

• Commission not disclosed: Most customers were never told the dealer received commission from Hitachi Capital.
• Inflated interest rates: Dealers had every incentive to set the highest rate you would accept rather than the lowest available.
• Conflict of interest: The dealer was acting as your credit broker while simultaneously being paid more by the lender the more they charged you.
• Lack of meaningful choice: Customers who didn't know about the commission structure couldn't meaningfully negotiate their rate.

Signs Your Hitachi Capital / Novuna Agreement May Qualify

• Your car was bought through a franchised or independent dealership that arranged Hitachi Capital finance
• Finance was arranged at the point of sale, not independently sourced
• Your agreement was signed between January 2007 and January 2021
• The agreement was PCP, hire purchase, or a conditional sale agreement
• You were not explicitly told about the commission arrangement

How to Check Your Hitachi Capital / Novuna Agreement

• Contact Novuna directly: Even though the brand has changed, Novuna Vehicle Finance handles queries relating to historical Hitachi Capital agreements. You can request your credit agreement under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
• Check your credit file: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion will show historical credit agreements. Look for Hitachi Capital as the lender name.
• Review old paperwork: Your original finance agreement will show Hitachi Capital as the lender, along with APR and agreement number.

The Claim Process

1. Submit your details using the form below.
2. Case review: An FCA-authorised claims specialist will assess your agreement and determine whether you have a valid claim.
3. Claim submitted: If eligible, the specialist will handle all correspondence with Novuna/Hitachi Capital and the Financial Ombudsman if required.
4. Compensation paid: If your claim succeeds, you receive your payout directly. Most claims management companies operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.