Research by Volkswagen has revealed the extent of the maintenance cost the UK’s van and LCV drivers are shouldering every year. Collectively, commercial vehicle drivers are shelling out £193 million a year to keep their machines on the road.
That adds up to an average repair cost per vehicle of £143 to get through the MOT and safely back on the road. It also found that on average, 45% of vans between 3.0 and 3.5 tonnes fail their MOT every year, with 33% of commercial vehicles under 3.0 tonnes also flunking out.
The most common reasons for these failures are faulty lighting, brakes and suspension, according to data from the DVSA; vital stuff that drivers and companies should be staying abreast of through routine maintenance and servicing.
Head of Aftersales at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, James Allitt, said:
“The figures reveal many vans are failing the MOT with simple maintenance issues that would be picked up by regular servicing.”
“It’s leaving van drivers risking unwanted downtime and an unexpected repair bill to get back on the road.”
While lease deals under three years will see many drivers escape the need for an MOT, those opting for a four year or longer lease option will need to ensure that their vehicle is correctly maintained if there’s not to be a surprise at the first test.
Volkswagen offers an all-inclusive service package for drivers of its vans, such as the respected Transporter or compact new Caddy. The ‘All-in’ package combines two services (one major, one minor), two MOTs, two years’ warranty, and two years’ roadside assistance, and promises to save van drivers an average of £1,558 over a typical two-year period, compared to pay-as-you-go prices.
Until the end of the year, Volkswagen is discounting the package by 10%, reducing the price tag from just under £840 to £755.37.
Allitt added:
“Our All-in package provides owners with complete peace of mind – all part of our Working With You promise to take the strain out of van ownership and give our customers more time to focus on their businesses,”
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