Export sales surge for UK car parts supplier

As the value of the UK Pound shrinks, sales of replacement car parts to Europe are surging according to a recent report.

Online mail order supplier, Carparts-direct.co.uk has reported a dramatic growth in sales to motorists on the continent. A 36 per-cent increase in sales has been fuelled by a weak UK currency, allowing motorists from the continent to buy car parts at huge savings compared to their local suppliers.

The cost of buying many car parts from the UK has fallen by more than 20% since 2007. The UK has become a low cost supplier for spare parts such as brakes and shock absorbers. Products that are manufactured in the UK such as alternators, starter motors, drive shafts and brake callipers offer even bigger savings to Europeans motorists.

Exports have been accelerated further by European couriers slashing carriage rates as the volume of overseas parcels increase. A 30-kilo parcel can now be delivered to virtually anywhere in Europe for just £29. Spain, France, Norway and the Netherlands are the most popular destinations for vehicle spares, according to Car Parts Direct.

‘Brits abroad’ used to be the most regular customers buying car parts online from the UK. Now everyone is taking advantage of the low costs and fast delivery in to Europe – normally 48 hours.

Mark Cornwall of Car Parts Direct said, “Price and delivery are very important, however we are regularly contacted by motorists on the continent where a vehicle is off the road simply because a part is not available in their own country.”

French motorist Philippe Decapantree could not find any brake discs for his Rover 800 in France. His vehicle was off the road for a week before he found the parts he required online. He ordered online and received the brakes two days later.

Mr Decapantree said: “I was given a price for the brakes by a local supplier in France but they could not supply for weeks. My local supplier quoted twice the price of what I paid by buying direct from the UK.”

Car Parts Direct has over 200,000 car parts available online and charges £4.95 carriage for deliveries within the UK and £29 to Europe – Visit carparts-direct.co.uk