More car brands extend warranties

Vehicle manufacturers around the globe are doing what they can to ease the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to see most Australians working from home and, in many cases, confined to their homes except for ‘essential’ purposes.

That means many cars sitting around not being used while their new-vehicle warranty continues to count down, leading some car-makers to extend the warranty period of some vehicles in certain circumstances.

Last month, Hyundai Australia announced it would extend some of its warranties.

This week, Volkswagen announced it would extend its new-vehicle warranties by three months worldwide – but only for vehicles produced in Europe, therefore excluding a range of models including the Amarok.

The extended cover is offered on Euro-built Volkswagens with a factory warranty that expired between March 1 and May 31, adding an extra three months after the expiry of the original new-vehicle or extended warranty.

A spokesperson for Volkswagen Group Australia told carsales the brand would “continue to exercise flexibility and fairness regardless of COVID-19”.

The global Volkswagen Group initiative also includes sister brands Skoda, Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini, meaning that owners of vehicles with warranties that were set to expire in March, April or May 2020 will have their warranty extended by three months from their original expiry date.

Audi Australia and Porsche Cars Australia both told carsales they are the process of contacting affected owners to inform them of their extended warranty.

“While Audi dealers have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the warranty extension is in support of owners who have been maintaining isolation, so that they can retain peace of mind,” said Audi Australia.

Aston Martin has announced similar moves to support warranty and service customers during COVID-19 lockdowns worldwide by extending warranties and service interval requirements.

The British sports car brand has extended to June 30 all new-vehicle warranties that are due to expire or have expired since March 14 or, in the case of China, since January 1.

Aston has also reassured its customers that the condition in their car’s owner’s guide stating that failure to adhere to specified service intervals may invalidate warranty coverage is being waived until restrictions change and appropriate dealer operations are able to resume.

Aston Martin owners whose cars require a vehicle service during the disruption caused by COVID-19 are being assured that their warranty cover will be unaffected, and all cars serviced within three months or 2000 miles (whichever is earlier) of the in-car service indicator will be protected in full by any applicable Aston Martin warranty.

As soon as restrictions change and Aston Martin dealer operations resume, owners of these cars with service work due are being asked to arrange a booking with their dealer.

“For all of us, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown has been, and will continue to be, a very trying time,” said Aston Martin’s director of client services Andy West.

“While issues such as car maintenance and warranty cover are, quite rightly, not top of mind for many we want to let our customers know that in partnership with our global dealer network we are doing all we can to support them, and their sports cars, through this period and will be looking forward to helping them get back behind the wheel of their beloved Aston Martin sports cars when it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

Similarly, Morgan says it will extend by three months the warranty on any new Morgan vehicle sold worldwide between October 1, 2017 and May 31, 2020.

“Morgan recognises that its customers may not be able enjoy driving their 4/4, Plus 4, Roadster, Plus Six, Aero or 3 Wheeler during this time, or have service work on it undertaken, but firmly believes that the enjoyment of their cars should not be impacted by the global situation,” said Morgan.

Separately this week, SsangYong Australia announced it will offer three years of free servicing for front-line healthcare staff – including members of federal and state police forces, public and private hospital employees and fire, ambulance and paramedic employees – who purchase a new SsangYong in May.