The acute shortage of auto body parts is having a negative impact on the repair time of vehicles.
The African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (Sambra) has warned motorists of the impending issue.
According to Richard Green, national director of Sambra, the organisation has received notifications from several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) advising that these supply constraints will continue for many months to come.
Green has assured motorists that, when dealing with authorised repairs, members of the organisation will do everything in their power to inform clients accurately on the state and timing of the repair required.
“The situation is, however, totally out of our control. The supply constraints have affected the production of alternative parts as well,” he said.
“There has been a knock-on effect on the quality of available alternative parts.”
According to Green, the supply crisis has been exacerbated by dramatic increases in the cost of international cargo container logistics.
He said Sambra will continue to liaise closely with insurers and OEMs on the status of certain critical parts and, wherever possible, repair rather than replace the part in question.
“Developments in repair technology have advanced substantially over recent years, thereby significantly improving the ability of our accredited Sambra members to repair metal and plastic panels on a motor vehicle.”
Green has advised motorists to include hire car cover on their motor insurance policies as a matter of urgency.
“It is inevitable that vehicle repairs will take far longer than normal whilst manufacturers struggle to restore the part supply chain.”
