Trouble-free cars?

Press, 9 April 1980, Page 7

Trouble-free cars?

E?

KEN COATES

in

London

Expensive garage bills that worry motorists the world over could one day be a thing of the past provided that people can aftnodels. Car manufacturers are reported to be well ahead with plans for vehicles that they will guarantee for three years or 50,000 km. In that period, the cars will probably need only three engine-oil changes and an occasional tyre check. With water-cooling systems and batteries virtually sealed for life, newer engine oils requiring infrequent changes, and tyres giving mileages of at least 30,000, what was once a dream could in a few years be a reality.

Some firms are even investigating a guarantee against body- rust as a means to promote sales of new cars. They believe

that after three years and the end of the guarantee motorists will trade in their cars for something better, and enjoy a guaranteed, trouble-free motoring life. The manufacturers plan to persuade more drivers to buy new cars which, under guarantee, would be repaired or replaced within 24 hours.

It is also reported that manufacturers, who publicly extol the virtues of their distributors, would really like to get rid of many’ of them. Ideally they want fewer but bigger distributors more directly under their control, much as Renault works in France.

In this way’ the manufacturers believe they could get a much tighter grip on their sales outlets, implement their policies much more effectively, and while selling more new cars would, they say’, give a better deal to motorists.