Garages with the Kitemark license are capturing up to three years of car service, repair and warranty work from vehicle manufacturer dealerships.

Under Block Exemption Regulations laid out in 2002, independent garages have the right to repair vehicles within the VMs warranty period, providing that they adhere to the manufacturer's schedules and use ‘matching quality’ parts.

Abacus Auto Services, a Kitemark for Garage Services Licensee, is one of the independent garages achieving 0 to three year old warranty, service and repair work.

Managing director, Paul Chance, said: “The Kitemark has been instrumental for us in attracting new vehicle repair work. Motorists trust what they are being told by the VM dealership, but the Kitemark for Garage Services addresses the balance and enhances consumer trust in our business. It then allows us to educate customers on the benefits of using an independent repairer such as Abacus, particularly with regards to ‘matching quality’ parts.

“Fast-fits and dealerships are all attacking the service and repair sector dominated by independent garages. But, with the Kitemark, we are fighting back and winning business against competitors.”