Sent the message below to Volvo (its at the bottom of the posting) and this is their reply.... Any one want to say anything??? Don't know about you but I'm sick of being ripped off for parts....
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Thank you for your e-mail below. There are many factors which influence the retail price of replacement parts, not least of which is the cost to us as a market sales company from the manufacturer. Of course, it must be remembered that the price of individual parts will reflect not only the cost of manufacture, importation and distribution but will also be influenced by demand. The USA is the largest market in the world for Volvo and they would probably be able to negotiate a better price based on quantities, it is also possible that their exchange rates are better and quite possible that their import duties are different to our own.
As a company we are fully aware of the negative impact expensive parts has on our business and I can assure you that we are constantly striving to maintain a competitive edge wherever possible.
I am pleased that your car is up and running again and trust that it will give you many more trouble free miles in the future.
Veronica Knight Customer Relations Consultant
This communication and any attachments are intended for the sole use of the addressee. It may contain (and if labelled 'Private and Confidential' does contain) legally privileged and/or confidential information. Any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication and its attachments by persons other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. Unless specifically stated, the contents of this communication do not necessarily represent the views of Volvo Car UK Limited. If you received this communication in error, please phone +44 (0)1628 477977 and destroy this email and any attachments.
-----Original Message----- From: snipped-for-privacy@framfab.se [mailto: snipped-for-privacy@framfab.se] Sent: 21 October 2004 12:19 To: Customer Relations, Volvo (.) Subject: Customer Relations
------------------------------------------------------- This message is generated from the Customer Relations Form on the Volvo Web Site:
Owns a Volvo model : S70 T5 SE With registration : XXXXXX It has a mileage of : 130,000
Their message is:
------------------------------------------------------------------------- To whom it may concern.
I recently had the Air Mass Meter fail and was quoted £285 (fitted) for replacement. I subsequently ordered the Genuine Volvo part from the USA and self fitted it for approx £110. Please explain why it is that the costs are so dissimilar. The part takes 5 minutes to fit so the labour charge should not be an issue.
Thanks,
Alastair