Bodyshops continue to be hit by parts delays, despite trade body pressure on vehicle manufacturers to ease the situation.

The Motor Vehicle Repairers Association says it is involved in more than 60 cases where member companies are suffering because of components backlogs, but it claims those are the tip of the iceberg.

And while the MVRA says it has successfully muscled some carmakers into getting their parts supply acts together since the association carried out a survey in September 2002, it reports the problems have now shifted to other manufacturers.

“As for last year, there is no single overriding reason why parts are being delayed,” says MVRA customer service manager Roy Smith.

“Whatever the root of the delay, the outcome is the same – bodyshops are frustrated with the delays and policyholders are becoming increasingly disillusioned, too often believing the repairer to be at fault.”

While Smith concedes the problem is not as acute as last year he adds: “Parts delays are here to stay.”