Quoting a new report, car parts direct says that these continental customers are saving as much as 70% compared with buying in their own country.
Export sales of car parts to do-it-yourself mechanics and the garage trade have increased by 285% in the last year as the value of the euro has risen by around one-fifth. The UK’s weak currency, a good availability of spare parts and fast and low cost delivery into Europe are fuelling record export sales for the online mail order specialist, carparts-direct.co.uk.
Mark Cornwall of Car Parts Direct said: “Our export customers used to be the British living abroad buying spare parts for classic cars, the British Rovers and vehicles where spares were difficult to obtain outside the UK. Now we dispatch parts for virtually all make of British, European and Japanese vehicle – every day.”
A set of brake discs and pads for a prestige vehicle in Europe can cost well over £250, or the equivalent of around 317 euros. Similar parts bought online from the UK can cost less than a £100 (126 euros). Even after taking in to account around £30 in delivery costs there is still over a £100 (126 euros) to be saved.
The biggest savings for motorists are on brakes, clutches, shock absorbers, steering racks, suspension components, wheel bearings, timing belt kits and CV joints. While UK customers of Car Parts Direct pay £4.95 for any size of online order, most European customers pay £29.00 for a parcel up-to 10 kilos in weight. Door to door delivery anywhere in Europe takes 3 to 4 days.
In recent weeks sterling has dropped even further against most major currencies. Car Parts Direct believes the export frenzy looks set to continue as it launches a brand new European website to handle the increased number of export sales and enquiries from abroad – www.Carparts-direct.eu. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)
