Wednesday 10th September 2008

Expect Higher Repair And Servicing Bills

EU plans threaten independant garages.

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What with the credit crunch and rising fuel and motoring costs, we're about to be hit with another rise when we service our cars.

The EU planned changes mean car manufacturers will no longer be forced to provide parts and computer codes to independent garages so they can carry out repairs on the vehicles.

Instead motorists will have to have their cars fixed at the manufacturer's dealership workshops, where charges are up to 40 per cent more.

The average hourly charge at an independent garage is £55.63 compared to £94.70 at a dealership garage, according to recent figures.

David Gerrans, of insurance firm Warranty Direct, said: "It would be a disaster."

On top of this thousands of motorists will be facing higher road tax bills from next year too.

[lodgy]

this is a joke!!
my dads has his own garage and has done all his life. he works hard and is good at what he does including bodywork. this is a real kick in the teeth for people like him!