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What do manufacturers do to attract and support operators of older vehicles?
Page 61
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Manufacturers would ideally like to manage their marques from cradle to grave, but the problems, not to mention the cost, of maintaining ageing products means it isn't always viable.
Repair and maintenance, while offering peace of mind, is more expensive with older vehicles. Manufacturers and dealers are happy to offer it on the first three years of a vehicle's life, and on selected four-to-six-year-old products.
Otherwise service is offered, or contracted maintenance, with repair costing extra. Once a truck enters its fifth year and beyond, independent or operator in-house workshops play a more significant role.
What a franchised dealership offers in terms of aftersales • Warranty/preventive maintenance: for vehicles from new
• Repair and maintenance: generally, for late-year stock or vehicles passing out of warranty. contract R&M is available through 24-hour workshops
• Genuine parts: guaranteed
• Servicing: six-weekly regular inspections plus contracted maintenance
• MOT: preparation and plating services
• Recovery: 24-hour breakdown recovery and replacement vehicles from selected dealers • Extras: replacement vehicles, spot rental, valet, spray booths and livery, access to bodyshops
Considerations for an operator when choosing a dealer
• Ask around: a dealer's reputation among your peers and competitors is more valuable than a sales pitch.
• Make sure the dealer's location is suitable for servicing and R&M. This is often difficult for rural operations. All dealers will provide service from one of their outlets, but it might not be the closest one.
• R&M is desirable, but not always essential —especially if it's a lateyear product. It offers peace of mind, but at a cost.