Fleets Benefit As Mazda Dealers Have Lowest UK Labour Rates
Published: 5th June 2003
Service, maintenance and repair costs (SMR), are one of the key ingredients for fleets in calculating vehicle wholelife costs – the benchmark from which the majority of fleet decision-makers compile their company car choice lists.
The survey reveals that the maximum recorded hourly labour rate to repair a car at a Mazda franchised dealer (£51.81) was less than half that charged by franchised dealers from rival manufacturers such as BMW (£115.62) and Volvo (£111.62). Figures include VAT.
Similarly the survey also reveals that in the last five years the increase in labour rates at Mazda franchised dealers has been just 2.1% - significantly lower than any other major manufacturer. By comparison the hourly rate for Volkswagen technicians has increased a massive 95% in five years, BMW by 85%, Toyota by 55.5% and Alfa Romeo by 66%.
The survey by the motor warranty specialist reveals that motorists are being charged an average of 44% more for labour at franchised dealers than five years ago. In comparison, the national weekly wage for a manual worker has increased by 12.1% since 1998.
In fact the Warranty Direct analysis reveals that the maximum hourly charge to repair a Mazda today is £1.15 lower than the £52.96 average maximum hourly charge to repair a car in 1998.
