Motorists stranded without spare parts

With more car dealerships closing up shop, obtaining car parts to put vehicles back on the road is proving increasingly difficult. And it’s a problem that is expected to get much worse in 2009, claims a new report.

Nigel Ruddock from Grant Thornton Automotive Services predicted as many as 1,700 of the 5,200 car dealerships in the UK could close in during 2009. He said, “This will be painful”. It’s a problem that will leave motorists and the garage repair trade without local access to the spare parts needed to repair some vehicles. The problem is likely to be compounded even further as new car sales have fallen to the lowest level for years. More motorists are keeping their existing vehicle for longer, increasing the need for more service and repair parts.

Mail order specialist Carparts-direct.co.uk claims they have already seen a surge in car parts ordered online as car dealerships close in the UK. Mark Cornwall of Car Parts Direct said, “We have had increased orders from both the garage trade and motorists where a vehicle is stuck on the ramps with no spare parts available to repair it. We are increasingly sending emergency deliveries of spares to enable desperate motorists to get their vehicle back on the road.”

Frustrated motorist Chris Woodhall needed a drive shaft and brakes for his Rover 600. Mr Woodhall said, “My car was off the road for two weeks waiting for the garage to find the parts to repair my vehicle. I went online myself and found what I needed and had them sent straight to the garage. If I had not found the parts myself, I’m sure my car would be still be on ramps in the garage now.”

The closure of dealership networks and poor availability of spare parts is not just limited to the UK. Motorists in most other European countries are suffering as dealerships close. This is an opportunity that Car Parts Direct has seized by offering to deliver a parcel of car parts to most European countries for just £29. The shortage of spare parts for some makes of vehicle in Europe, fast delivery and the strong euro against the pound has resulted in a 36% growth in exports for the mail order car parts specialist.

Car Parts Direct claims to supply one of the largest ranges of car parts in the UK with around 60,000 car parts available online. If the part required is not shown on their website visitors can fill out an online enquiry and one of a team of car parts specialists guarantees to respond within the day. One carriage charge of £4.90 covers any size of online order within mainland UK – visit carparts-direct.co.uk