Skoda adds used-car service contract

SKODA Australia has developed a cost-effective, four-year transferable service package for owners of used models, with the big attraction being they can be purchased at any time during the vehicle’s ownership.

The move, which compares with most maintenance programs that are available only at the vehicle’s point of sale, comes as Skoda Australia launches a four-year service pack, complementing existing new-car three- and five-year packs.

Skoda said almost 60 per cent of its new-car customers this year have opted for the three- and five-year packs. The four-year pack released this week is for Skoda vehicles aged more than 12 months.

The four-year pack bundles scheduled servicing and maintenance into one payment from $1200 (Fabia) through to $1600 (Superb and Kodiaq).

Skoda said the service packs represent an average saving of 30 per cent across most models and cover all items in the schedule. Roadside assistance is renewed with each completed scheduled service.

The packs are also fully transferable upon sale of the vehicle, enhancing the vehicle’s used-car value.

Skoda’s existing three- and five-year packs for new cars are available up to the first 15,000km. Costs are from $750 (Fabia, three-year pack) to $1700 (Superb and Kodiaq, five-year pack).

Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer said Skoda was the first European brand in the country to have a five-year new-vehicle warranty and now adds more customer value with the new service for buyers of used cars.

He said that despite the coronavirus epidemic pushing industry sales down significantly, the brand was still expecting its biggest year in 2020 since entering the Australian market in 2007.

It will launch the Superb Scout this month, following the March release of the Kodiaq RS, followed by two new Karoq variants, the 110TSI and all-wheel drive 140TSI.

In June it will debut the Scala hatchback in Monte Carlo trim, and in July Skoda will release its final SUV model, the Kamiq crossover. There will be a new-generation Octavia range in early 2021.