Fleet parts prices have risen fastest for SUVs

Fleet parts prices have risen fastest for SUVs over the last four years, according to new data released by epyx.

Among a basket of five common parts including front discs and pads, wiper blades, clutches, pollen filters, headlamp bulbs and spark plugs, SUVs have seen the highest increases for any car type in three categories.

The data is taken from epyx’s 1link Service Network, used by fleets totalling more than four million cars, vans and trucks to manage their service, maintenance and repair processes, working with thousands of franchise dealers, independent garages and fast fits.

For discs and pads, SUVs prices have risen by 37% since 2020, compared to 22% for hatchbacks and 20% for saloons. Similarly, for pollen filters, SUVs prices are up by 48%, against 41% for hatchbacks and 35% for saloons. Finally, when it comes to wiper blades, SUVs have seen a 25% increase against 22% for saloons and 19% for hatchbacks.

Other types of cars have also seen substantial increases in certain categories, For example, spark plugs for hatchbacks have risen by 37% against 29% for both saloons and SUVs.

Additionally, when it comes to commercial vehicles, van clutches have increased by 53% compared to 35% for hatchbacks and 42% for saloons.

Tim Meadows, CCO, epyx, said: “Recently, we released data showing how prices had increased across our entire basket of parts. Now, with these new numbers, we’re providing insight into how different types of fleet vehicles have been affected.

“They show SUVs have generally been hit harder by parts price increases than any other type of company car. Since 2020, inflation has risen by around 22% but the increases seen in the three categories where SUVs have seen the biggest jumps are well above this figure. 

“It’s difficult to know why this is the case. The disruption that has seen parts prices increase rapidly in recent years – from the effects of the pandemic through to the war in Ukraine – have been unpredictable and erratic, and it could just be that price pressures have randomly landed on SUVs, rather than it being any kind of intentional policy from manufacturers.

“What it does undoubtedly mean is that businesses operating large numbers of SUVs should keep a close watch on their parts spending. While it is not possible to stop prices rising, it is still very viable to find the best value for your fleet, using technology of the type we offer through 1link Service Network.”