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by Robin Moues leading haulier is being sued by Minorplanet
Page 14
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stems for breach of contract after refusing to the telematics supplier finish fitting its system 100 of the haulier's trucks.
Leicester-based Widdowson Group had 11 anias fitted with Minorplanet's VMI system rly last year as part of the total order for 100 tides. But when one of the trucks was next en by the dealership (East Midlands immercials). Widdowson Group director Peter Dvenson says he was told that the way the ematics system had been wired-in would, if left changed, invalidate the vehicle warranty and it holes drilled in the cab roofs for aerials—in ice of using the pre-drilled holes provided by ania—would also compromise any anti-corroin guarantee.
Stevenson subsequently stopped Minorplanet rm fitting out the remaining trucks and has fused to pay for any of the work. His firm now es a claim from Minorplanet of over £100,000 for breach of contract. Widdowson's —which has had the wiring adjusted on all the vehicles at a cost of £1,100 but has yet to have the roofs repaired—is counterclaiming for Minorpla net: "Legal action around £35,000 for is last resort." the anticipated costs of repair, including hire fees while the trucks are off the road. It is understood the case will be heard in April. In between, the entire Widdowson fleet has now been fitted with Road Tech Computer Systems' CabLink system instead.
Minorplanet spokesman Neil Cotton confirms legal action is being taken against Widdowson but says it has only been done as a last resort, and rejects any suggestion of sub-standard installation of the Minorplanet system. "We believe...the installation procedure was correct and without fault," he says. However he admits that telematics systems—like many other thirdparty accessories—could potentially invalidate vehicle warranties. "Only a vehicle that has no modifications will still be strictly under warranty," he says.
Stevenson says he has "lost complete faith" in Minorplanet over the matter and fears that, apart from any warranty problems, the 'guaranteed buyback' arrangement on his trucks may also be at risk, even when the cabs have been repaired.
"They [vehicle manufacturers] are particularly fastidious when they look at them, down to the level of drill holes and grommet holes in the dashboard," he says.