The OFT has taken the car manufacturers to task regarding the restricive practice of having to have the car serviced at the franchaided dealers.

If is no longer a requirement to use the franchised dealer, but proff of servicing to the manufacturers service plan is required.

A link to the OFT report is attched (pdf link on this page)

http://www.oft.gov.uk/News/Press+releases/2003/PN+170-03.htm

VAG has ammended the Warrenty terms & conditions to comply with the directive.

Dougal

This is what Skoda UK's FAQs still say:

"Question:

Can I go to a non-Skoda retailer for servicing?

Answer:

This is not something that we would recommend since non-Skoda retailers are not trained in the servicing of Skoda vehicles nor are they kept up to date with technical information. It may therefore have an adverse affect on the terms of the new vehicle warranty."

I will contact Skoda UK Customer Services and post a copy of the new warranty terms (if they have been updated) in our FAQs as soon as I get a copy.

Hi Dennis

VW have changed the information on their web site, but I think that Skoda haven't.

The latest brochure for the Fabia has a sticker over the Warranty info which states " We recommend that the car is serviced and maintained at an authorised Skoda Retailer or repairer to ensure the warranty cover is maintained"

The old one had the following statement "This warranty cover is subject to the car being serviced and maintained at an authorised Skoda retailer according to the manufacturers recommendations".

The latest VW brochure states " Cover is subject to the car being serviced and maintained according to the manufacturers technical guidelines"

The OFT site are reviewing shortly how the manufacturers are complying with the new requirements, it will be interesting to see how they consider Skoda's statements on the subject when compared with the VW one.

Dougal

Thanks for that update, Dougal. I have sent Skoda an e-mail requesting a copy of the amended warranty, and asked whether it applies retrospectively.

Hi guys, this warranty thing is a little confusing and Skoda will probably give you a more accurate example but from what I gathered 'block exemption' works like this.

Independant garages can (for a price) apply for Manufacturer approved repair status. The cost is variable but does include manufacturer specific tools (i.e. VAG 1551 etc) and training but some manufacturers require the site to have a corperate identity as well (ie. furniture, paperwork etc) so even more costs are involved. The idea is so local garages can compete with main dealers for servicing, helping you the consumer.

Hope this is right, i'll soon be put right if i'm not

Matt