Subaru dealers are set to lose out on servicing revenue after importer International Motors dropped the six-month interval and streamlined the other schedules.

The move, which follows an evaluation of the in-service record of current Subaru models, brings the carmaker in line with industry standards.

Naturally-aspirated 2002 model year Subarus now require a service every 12,000 miles/12 months, aside from an initial 1,000-mile inspection check. This replaces the six-month 'minor' service, which was backed with a further 15,000-mile/12-month check. Turbo-charged models and the Outback 3-litre H-6 have 10,000-mile/12-month intervals.

A spokesman said new car customers would only need to visit dealers twice in the first year instead of three times. He estimated that servicing costs over a four-year period would be halved.

Reduced dealer servicing income per car is likely to be offset by an overall increase in aftersales volume – lower running costs will help to convert more potential buyers, including fleets, into new car customers.

International Motors also intends to improve its parts and accessory service to dealers from March, with overnight deliveries.

Lynx Partsflow has been appointed to manage the service, which includes next-day deliveries for urgent orders.

Ed Swatman, International Motors chief executive officer, said: “It all adds up to better customer care combined with lower running costs.”