I have just bought a Kamiq 1.5. and and am beginning to wish I had not. LIke most modern cars you are tied to main dealers who hold the software and thus you incure their high labour rates. I discussed this issue before buying the car and the dealers I spoke to never gave any indication there would be a problem. The problem is I would like a tow bar fitted, nothing fancy not a retractable and only 7pin plug required. Under threat that to use a 3rd party might void my warranty I have to use Skoda at an inflated cost some £500 more. Whilst not happy about this I would do it. However, Skoda tell me they have no towbars available and these come from the factory but they have no delivery date up to 6months wait mentioned. So I am nervous about getting a 3rd party to fit one but Skoda can't not exactly customer service. Anyone have similar issues?

'They' do just say just anything lots of times. & you are not tied to Main Dealers. There are Independents with Licensed equipment, even ones that are Ex VW Group Master techs. So not just the gear and no idea like many Techs / Fitters. ? Who told who @ Skoda. Was this Customer Services or just some Dealership Employee?

A good indi will be able to do the job. Don't forget to tell your insurer.

Get one with the proper wiring kit - not one just using a bypass relay.

Hi All thanks for responses. First the main dealer (Mons Motors) flagged up the use only Skoda bar and kit. When I complained to customers services see quote:

Thank you for contacting Škoda UK regarding retrofitting a towbar on your Škoda Kamiq,

I completely understand how frustrating this situation must be, especially given your plans and expectations when purchasing the vehicle. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Unfortunately, when it comes to best practices for our vehicles, we always rely on guidance from our authorised retailers. Suppose they have advised that the approved towbar is currently unavailable. In that case, unfortunately, there's nothing we at Customer Service can do to speed up this process, as availability is managed at the retailer and manufacturer levels.

Regarding the use of third-party parts, your dealer is correct in stating that fitting non-approved components outside of our network can potentially lead to issues. If, at any point, a fault occurs and diagnostics reveal that it was caused by independent modifications or retrofitting, this would unfortunately void your warranty. This policy is in place to ensure the integrity and safety of your vehicle.

We truly appreciate your concerns and understand how restrictive this may feel for you. While we cannot recommend or approve any third-party fitters, we will monitor availability and encourage you to stay in touch with your local retailer for updates.

Once again, we apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

I will go ahead and close the case, but please don't worry, you can have it reopened at any time should you need additional support.

Once the case is closed, you may receive a Customer Satisfaction Survey via email or text message. This survey is designed to reflect the service I have provided, rather than the Retailer or any decisions made. Please take a moment to complete this survey within seven days of receiving it, as it will help me enhance the customer experience I provide.

Not terribly helpful. I live in Weston super Mare so anyone recommend a indi fitter ??

Well the thing is there is Skoda VW UK and the Executive Team, and then there is the Customer Services Contractor. Looks more and more like AI and not just people anyplace in the world with a keyboard and really no knowledge of Skodas.

I would be very surprised if Skoda, or even VAG, produce their own towbar.

My last towbar was a long time ago and my memory could be in error, but I have it in my mind that their towbars were actually made by Westfalia, the well-known manufacturer.

Aldfort has it right. Go to a good independent - they the have the experience.

Many thanks for that and the other helpful comments. I did speak to one seemingly well informed attendant who said the VAGroup for post 2023 cars has had problems in house coding towbars in so who knows its all a bit confusing but I cant sit waiting indefinitely so wiil get something sorted. (and notify my insurers) Tks again

As suggested already the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) brand of tow bars for Skoda at the factory during production or at Skoda dealers is the German manufacturer Westfalia.

Westfalia-Automotive | The Original Towbar Inventor Since 1932

You may find you can use the above link to find a supplier in the UK

I think the real problem isn't the stockist or supplier, it's the fact that 2023-24 saw Skoda implement SFD on the kamiq

. Have a look at this link: VCDS: What is SFD protection? - VAG Coding

i bet the main dealer hasn't received the training or equipment to fit the tow bar electronics

Just my thoughts, hope this helps you get a straight answer and get your tow bar sorted

thankyou, it is interesting that it was the independent who mentioned the problem with post 2023 cars

It was once simple to code things into VAG group cars. However a lot of stuff is now hidden behind some sort of electronic curtain. Unless you pay for the very expensive VAG equipment and a software licence you can't access it.

thanks; if anyone interested go to You Tube >> Scottish Car Clan videos, the presenter highlights the way the industry is going and how in time this will mean cars will become uneconomic to repair much quicker than previously, especially given the restrictive practices which push you towards main dealers (and costs) who have the software. It is seems planned obsolescence is on the rise - hardly enviromentally friendly. Cars are now mobile computers and its even more complex and expensive if you go electric or hybrid.