eBay urges garages to use 'recycled' parts in car repairs

Should repair garages use second-hand parts more often? Online auction giant eBay (perhaps unsurprisingly) says yes.

The company has called on UK insurers and independent garages to make a commitment to offer reused or remanufactured vehicle parts, rather than just new parts, when repairing vehicles.

This would bring the UK in line with France, where the Government passed a Circular Economy Law in February this year which makes it mandatory to use recycled vehicle parts in repairs.

eBay is backing a new, independent standards certification scheme for the safety of used parts, run by the Vehicle Recyclers’ Association. Sellers that meet the criteria will benefit from increased exposure on eBay UK.

According to eBay, 1.4 million customers buy recycled vehicle parts on the site each year — with a car part sold, on average, every two seconds.

“Increasing the use of reused car parts in vehicle repairs in the UK would see huge environmental benefits, as well as helping to drastically reduce pressure on premiums,” said Laura Richards, senior automotive business manager at eBay UK.

“However, the UK lags far behind other countries in the use of recycled parts, which is why insurers and garages should commit to always offer customers the choice when their vehicles are in for repair.

“The launch of our new pilot scheme will help provide extra guarantees for the safety and quality of used parts, building on eBay’s position as the biggest marketplace for buying and selling vehicle parts and accessories.”

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said that UK manufacturers are expected to ensure that 95% of cars can be ‘recycled, resued or recovered’ at the end of their life. He noted, however, that not all vehicle parts should be available for resale.

“While responsible reuse and remanufacturing of vehicle parts is important, safety is the ultimate priority and not all components, for example airbags and seatbelts, are suitable for reuse,” Hawes explained.

At the Insurance Factory we offer motor trade insurance for trades including repairers, valeters, repossession agents and vehicle transporter companies as well as car dealers.

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