THE MOVE TO LONGER WARRANTIES is gathering momentum. In fact, three-year warranties, that used to be the norm, now look decidedly unappealing.
Latest to move to an extended warranty is Škoda. Having in 2017 become the first European brand to introduce a permanent five-year warranty, Škoda has claimed another first with the provision of seven year’s warranty.
This warranty cover is part of the nationally advertised driveaway price of all Škodas, including RS performance variants. It is valued between $1150 and $1670 (Škoda figures). The cover in years six and seven is also uniquely identical to the initial years and, therefore, exceptionally comprehensive.
All deliveries, of both new and sales demonstrators from September 1, will be retrospectively granted the warranty extension.
The seven-year warranty headlines Škoda Australia’s unique array of “ease of ownership” fixtures, which include five- or seven-year Service Packs, or a Service and Maintenance Subscription being a no commitment, ‘pay as you go’ offer complementing the Packs.
Customers who have purchased a Škoda in the past five years, can upgrade their existing warranty to seven years.
Škoda Australia Director Michael Irmer said that the brand embodies the maxim that: “Value means more than a sticker price”.
“Ease of ownership, peace of mind and more metal for the money – these are values on which Škoda prides itself on,” Mr Irmer said.
“Seven year’s warranty is full cover without common exclusions such as infotainment systems or starter batteries. We remain intent on becoming a leading brand in the sphere of lifetime ownership experience in Australia. Outside of our valued Service Packs and now warranty extension, Škoda Service and Maintenance Subscription is an additional alternative that offers a Simply Clever ‘pay as you go’ option.”
“Providing a wholly European vehicle with innovative and emotional product, combined with an ease of ownership is something we are truly passionate about.”
Well done, Škoda. Now let’s see if the hold-out European brands follow suit.