I see this as a very positive move but I can see that anything other than a repayment becomes very complicated.
Currently: You pay any AP due, MB pays the manufacturer the rest and you have a car.
Future:
Option 1 (as planned): You pay the AP due (remembering this could be less than £750), MB pays the manufacturer and sends you a payment for £750.
Option 2 (reduce AP): You pay the AP less £750, MB pays the manufacturer the negotiated value less the full AP. MB then pays the £750 when they have identified you are eligible for the NCB. The manufacturer needs to tie together 3 payments for one car – unhappy admin at manufacturer.
Option 3 (assuming we all get the NCB) You pay the AP less 750, MB pays whatever is owed that isn’t the AP you paid in one lump.
Option 3 effectively reduces the AP by £750 but the actual AP would need to be advertised, which means you look on the website find (for example) a Hyundai Tuscan for £5399 AP and discount it because that’s over you £5k budget but you go into a Hyundai dealership and test drive looking at the next model down (which may not have a critical feature) the salesman then throws a lot of waffle at you which includes that MB pay £750 towards you AP, so you can afford the higher model. You don’t quite trust a salesman (shock?), try phoning MB who are their usual busy selves so you ask on here or FB. Still not sure on what is right, you continue to search for something suitable you can afford. The Advert needs to show what you pay, in worst case, remembering what they give MB can easily take away.
At least with the current, although delayed version, you can pay the full amount knowing the £750 is coming back and budgeting accordingly.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.
Mark