Covid and conflict are still impacting spare parts availability and the situation could take years to get back to normal, industry experts warn.
With an estimated two-thirds of vehicle components originating from both China and the Middle East, it’s not purely a UK issue but rather a global problem which some say is being compounded by both shortages of mechanics and technicians as well as supply drivers.
The vehicle manufacturers aren’t exactly helping either as, even with lockdown now a distant memory, they are still prioritising new vehicle production against stocking up spare parts shelves.
Although easing, so serious the problem became that an increasing number of independent repairers went ‘green’ – today’s term for second-hand – which in turn has seen the rise of stolen to order vehicle thefts where a ‘chop shop’ industry flourishes in stripping late makes and models of critical VOR parts.
According to Charles Ambrose CEO of Vehicle Recyclers’ Association (formerly known as the Motor Vehicle Dismantlers’ Association, MVDA), the shortage of new parts means there’s an increasing demand for green core parts and he doesn’t know when things will return to normal.
“The customer just wants their vehicle back in good condition”, he told CAT.
The association – which was formed in 1943 and has circa 200 members – says it can’t see no immediate solution.
Last year JLR confirmed that a staggering 10,000 of its models were sitting around, sometimes for months, waiting for replacement parts forcing dealers to use second-hand parts rather than wait for new ones.
This is concurred by fellow London JLR specialist MKL Motors who told CAT that at its worst, the situation “verged on the abysmal” and it was left waiting for a whole variety of components to filter through. Thankfully the situation has since greatly improved although a spokesperson commented that the biggest issue now is pinning down an ETA for back orders.
However Cheshire independent JD Automotive claims JLR issues were unfortunately exaggerated by the vehicle manufacturer itself due to moving its logistics site to a new complex around the time Covid hit home. It agrees that delays has reduced significantly although there’s still back order complications.
Mercedes-Benz independent Stevensons told CAT although the situation is easing it’s still problematic, even when relying on genuine parts.
Nitrogen oxide sensors (of which Ukraine is a major player in the manufacture of semiconductors) were, in common with many other VMs, a particular hassle but now it’s been overtaken due to a scarcity of headlights.
The Maidstone specialist also adds that due to suppliers trying to satisfying demand, brands are frequently changed, causing havoc with part numbers. It refrains from fitting green parts however, only doing so if customers source and supply them and only issues a warranty on the fitting.
West Midland based TMS (The Mini Specialist) was also one of the many who suffered problems last year with semiconductor supplies resulting in up a month’s delay.
Elsewhere, one West Midlands branch told us that while parts supply remains “up and down” it’s more the former now and reckons 85% of time it can accommodate customers as it can rely on five different suppliers plus – like many other retailers – fall back on contacts formed over the years.
Normal service items pose no real problems although currently large plastic items, such as petrol cans would you believe, seem to be in short supply.
Motor Parts Direct concurs things are pretty much back to as they were although the Braintree head office says the aftermath has caused some outlets to be more stock savvy in case problems flare up again.
In addition, a Hertfordshire branch also told us that apart from components shortages, the biggest hassle was having to go and collect parts rather than them being delivered to the store.
It depends who you speak to but in general, it’s quite clear that the aftermarket, if not the VMs, is past the worst of it.
However, we’re warned that there’s still some way to go before the trade get back to those halcyon peace and pre-pandemic times and service is restored to full health.
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