Main garages are 50% dearer
Consumer group says drivers pay through the nose for sticking with concessionnaires rather than independents
MOTORISTS are paying through the nose for getting their cars serviced at main concessionnaire garages such as Renault, Peugeot, Ford and Volkswagen.
Consumer group UFC-Que Choisir found that their charges are up to 50% times higher than those of independent operators - yet four out of five drivers still go to the concessionnaires to get work done.
A study of 1,440 garages found that charges at chains such as Leclerc, Midas, Norauto, Roady or Speedy plus independent garages were on average 20% lower for repairs and 50% lower for services.
It said that a 60,000km service on a Peugeot 207 would be quoted at €349 in a Peugeot garage but only €206 on average in an independent auto centre. Servicing a Renault Clio in a Renault garage would be 50% more expensive than elsewhere.
The competition watchdog Autorité de la Concurrence has already pointed the finger at manufacturers for their high prices and for misinforming owners about the benefits of using a concessionnaire.
It also said concessionnaires were splitting up the market amongst themselves by refusing to work on other makes.
UFC-Que Choisir pointed out that it was against the law for manufacturers to force customers to use concessionnaires' garages or face having their warranty invalidated.
The watchdog said that repair and servicing costs made up 37% of the motoring budget and said that the lack of competition in the sector had seen prices rise 28% above inflation between 2000 and 2010. Parts prices had also risen 13% in the same period. It is set to take action against manufacturers.
