Volvo Penta's shameful warranty

[Ropewalk Marine]

Traditionally I have regarded Volvo Penta as market leaders in the pleasure boat industry perhaps not on the forefront of technology but not so far behind and the reliability compensated for the 'tried and tested' technology.

In recent years the reliability appears to have slipped slightly and I urge everyone attending boat show stands to make enquires specifically mentioning the warranty, the intention is to put a little pressure on the manufacturers to improve their warranties........


Volvo Penta 12 months + 12 months = 2 years
Nanni 24 months + 12 months = 3 years
Yanmar 12 months + 60 months major parts=5 years
Cummins-mercruiser 24 months + 72 months major components = 6 years


Full details here

http://www.volvopenta.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Penta/Warranty/warranty_statment_int.pdf

http://www.nannidiesel.com/images/stories/services/silverwake-en.pdf

http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/repower/specs/yanmar/warranty.php?engine=yanmar

http://www.cmdmarine.com/documents/4081863_1203.pdf


Of course this is all just my opinion , quick selective skim read so could include errors, mistakes and cockups, if you dont agree feel free to say so I just thought it a bit rich that Volvo Penta expect you to act as a guinea pig for testing a new engine design and then expect you to pay for their cockups.

Hi DAKA,

This is a little harsh! Unlike Yanmar, Volvo Penta does not include the following clause under their warranty:
"
Electrical components, such as starter motor, alternator, dynamo and turbocharger are covered under this Warranty for the first 12 months or 1000 operating hours from the date of purchase whichever comes first.
"

This has been lifted straight off Yanmar’s published warranty terms.

You also detail that Yanmar’s warranty covers major parts for 5 years. This is true, but to be fair the items covered are “Cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, camshaft, flywheel housing, gear case, timing gear and connecting rod”.

It is hugely unlikely that these components would fail within their designated warranty period, but you’re right in that Volvo Penta warranty expire after 2 years. If any of these major items were to fail early in a vessels life, then we would suggest asking your Volvo Penta Dealer to speak to Volvo Penta UK and see what may be covered under Goodwill.

However, Yanmar effectively detail that they will warranty anything that is likely to break early on for a maximum of one year. Anything that is not likely to fail is covered for five years.

Volvo Penta cover the lot for 2 years, but do insist that the engine is maintained and is properly checked out at the end of year one, so that a Volvo Penta Dealer can extend the warranty.

From our perspective, Volvo Penta provide the most comprehensive warranty during the initial two year period.

I hope that this clarifies things from a VP Dealer's perspective.

Please don't get us wrong on this. The Nanni warranty is excellent and undisputedly the best, but this seems to have been deployed by Nanni in order to increase their market share. After all, when compared to Volvo Penta, Nanni hold a fairly non existent share of the marine engine sales.

 

[Latestarter1]

Hi DAKA,

This is a little harsh! Unlike Yanmar, Volvo Penta does not include the following clause under their warranty:
"
Electrical components, such as starter motor, alternator, dynamo and turbocharger are covered under this Warranty for the first 12 months or 1000 operating hours from the date of purchase whichever comes first.
"
You also detail that Yanmar’s warranty covers major parts for 5 years. This is true, but to be fair the items covered are “Cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, camshaft, flywheel housing, gear case, timing gear and connecting rod”.

It is hugely unlikely that these components would fail within their designated warranty period, but you’re right in that Volvo Penta warranty expire after 2 years. If any of these major items were to fail early in a vessels life, then we would suggest asking your Volvo Penta Dealer to speak to Volvo Penta UK and see what may be covered under Goodwill.

Having refered to the Volvo warranty statement a few times in the past it appears to me that up to D6 at least Volvo and Yanmar are awash at one year on turbocharger and rotating electrics. Volvo covereage is under BASE one year warranty, the Extended Protection Warranty is not BASE warranty. Perhaps you can can confirm this as a fact; in addition to the Extended Protection Service(Just a hidden charge for second year coverage) does the engine have to have service records completed by authorised Volvo dealer? CMD mechanical engines cover turbochargers for two years, rotating electrics for one year. Quantum electronic engines have full two year coverage of both turbochargers and rotating electrics. As to "goodwill" you cannot take this to the bank! All manufacturers have system for making "policy" settlements.

However, Yanmar effectively detail that they will warranty anything that is likely to break early on for a maximum of one year. Anything that is not likely to fail is covered for five years.

I agree this is refered to as warranty on the bits that do not break!

Volvo Penta cover the lot for 2 years, but do insist that the engine is maintained and is properly checked out at the end of year one, so that a Volvo Penta Dealer can extend the warranty.

As per the above not as I read the warranty statement.

From our perspective, Volvo Penta provide the most comprehensive warranty during the initial two year period.

MMMMMM not sure I agree. CMD and Yanmar require notification of failure within 30 days of the failue, Volvo is just 14 days. CMD and Volvo warranty is at least transferrable, Yanmar is not, used to cause lots of issues when customers purchased demonstrator boats.

If you can clarify the Volvo dealer servicing lock in that would be helpful.

My biggest beef is access to electronic tooling. Volvo restrict sales of Vodia tooling to authorised dealer level. CAT and Cummins allow any end user to purchase electronic service tooling, for example you can purchase latest vesion of Cummins Quickcheck QC5100 for about $850 with free updates.

 

[Ropewalk Marine]

What is the specific problem with Volvo Penta Warranty?

We are unsure why there is such concern over any ambiguity in Volvo Penta Warranty? VP cover their units under a full comprehensive warranty for two years. They do however insist on fulfilment of the service recommendations. (This includes a VP Dealer servoce history) A VP Dealer is required to register the end of first year service which will extend the warranty protection.

Once extended, VP will continue to cover the equipment for a further twelve months, making a two year warranty period……Okay, so VP insist that faults are reported within 14 days of failure, but this is not unreasonable surely? The reason for this is to protect them from stupid warranty claims resulting in a boat owner’s negligence; such as major corrosion problems that could be encountered if the root cause of a salt water leak is rectified but the fault goes unreported for a substantial period. If this occurs don’t expect VP to pay for the rectification.

As for comments on the Vodia; VP are miles ahead of their competition, releasing software updates and new data files on a daily basis across their network. Dealers pay VP a significant fee for this service. Also, any faults found on vessels using a Vodia tool are reported to VP to enhance development of their products, development of software and diagnostic functions on the Vodia. This allows much improved service to all VP customers, allowing Dealers to undertake diagnostics more efficiently.

So in short, yes it's right that VP do not allow Vodia tools to be available to all, however if they did, the tool would fulfil a very limited function without access to the Volvo Penta Dealer network.

It is therefore (In our opinion) fair enough to limit the distribution of the tool to those that pay for the ongoing service and the training to use it? The infrastructure that supports the Vodia Tool (And also the entire VP Network) comes at a high price to VP. (And as a result to VP Dealers). Non VP Dealers seem to be under the impression that obtaining a Vodia would allow them to freely undertake works. This is not the case. Without the infrastructure which is accessible to VP Dealers a Vodia would be next to useless.

So, praise to CAT and Cummins for allowing their electronoc tools, but the fact is that Volvo Penta wish to be kept informed of who is doing what to their engines, and also what faults and problems are being encountered with their products across the world. To take this away would be silly.

We welcome feedback, comments and views on our forum, which has been established to help people find problems to their queries on our products. If you would like to contribute, we would be mot grateful.

 

[DAKA]

Please will you clarify the first and second year warranty..........

The Cummins warranty (base and extended 6 year) covers regardless of dealer service, you can DIY as long as performed correctly.

If someone DIY their VOLVO PENTA service (correctly) or paid a non approved marine mechanic would the warranty cover year 1 and or year 2.

ps
You mention alternators, I was really impressed with the Volvo penta warranty regarding a couple of alternators that failed, Volvo penta sourced 2 x 24 volt alternators on the continent , took them off engines for sale and fitted them to a boat in the Uk within a week, fantastic service
I best say no more

 

[ianj99]

We are unsure why there is such concern over any ambiguity in Volvo Penta Warranty? VP cover their units under a full comprehensive warranty for two years. They do however insist on fulfilment of the service recommendations. (This includes a VP Dealer servoce history) A VP Dealer is required to register the end of first year service which will extend the warranty protection.

Surely the answer is to simply for VP to extend the warranty free of charge for 3 more years if the servicing is done by an authorised dealer and there is no sign of abuse or neglect by the owner.

If VP have faith in their product then why not?

The only other conclusions when a company has a poorer warranty than its competitors are:
a) they expect claims and don't want to meet the cost, or
b) they don't need to...(being market leaders)
I

 

[Latestarter1]

I can do nothing but admire your loyalty to your product.

As Vodia is a little Palm based Vodia tool I suspect its funcionality is nothing special. Earlier versions of Quickcheck were Palm based before QC5100 to meet the requirement for a more powerful tool than a a Palm based tool could offer. As all electronic calibrations are US EPA Tier II certified the allowable changes within a calibration are very small. You will probably correct me but I doubt that Vodia could have the capability to change an engine from one power calibration to another.

As I said suspect you may be subject to a little green color blindness which is no bad thing, however the statement that Volvo is miles ahead of the competition would have electronic controls guys from CAT, Cummins and MTU peeing themselves. Volvo guys used to go nuts with D12 ghost injector faults which ended up with all 6 being replaced, recently reported D9 failure here led me to discover that no electronic funcionality test for D9 unit injectors has been developed yet. D4/D6 have no diagnostic capabiliity to detect common rail injector hosing such as exists on CMD QSB. Miles ahead certainly not. Unlike CAT and Cummins Volvo use Bosch ECU with off the peg Botch software.

Do not get me wrong I like the D4/D6 but it is a small volume engine and going back to your post the constant need to be trimming what is supposed to fully released engine calibration, this would leave me seriously worried. In reality I suspect Volvo are suckering dealers by finding an electronic means to dip your wallet.

As to the warranty stuff how do you explain that D9 and up you have two year bumper to bumper plain and simple warranty, can I assume that non franchised dealers can service these during period of coverage without impacting warranty?

Then we have up to D6 with this Extended Warranty Protection Service slipped in order to qualify for the second year. Is this a fixed price deal if so how much is it for say a single D4 in a shaft?

 

[DAKA]

I can do nothing but admire your loyalty to your product.

As Vodia is a little Palm based Vodia tool I suspect its funcionality is nothing special. Earlier versions of Quickcheck were Palm based before QC5100 to meet the requirement for a more powerful tool than a a Palm based tool could offer. As all electronic calibrations are US EPA Tier II certified the allowable changes within a calibration are very small. You will probably correct me but I doubt that Vodia could have the capability to change an engine from one power calibration to another.

As I said suspect you may be subject to a little green color blindness which is no bad thing, however the statement that Volvo is miles ahead of the competition would have electronic controls guys from CAT, Cummins and MTU peeing themselves. Volvo guys used to go nuts with D12 ghost injector faults which ended up with all 6 being replaced, recently reported D9 failure here led me to discover that no electronic funcionality test for D9 unit injectors has been developed yet. D4/D6 have no diagnostic capabiliity to detect common rail injector hosing such as exists on CMD QSB. Miles ahead certainly not. Unlike CAT and Cummins Volvo use Bosch ECU with off the peg Botch software.

Do not get me wrong I like the D4/D6 but it is a small volume engine and going back to your post the constant need to be trimming what is supposed to fully released engine calibration, this would leave me seriously worried. In reality I suspect Volvo are suckering dealers by finding an electronic means to dip your wallet.

As to the warranty stuff how do you explain that D9 and up you have two year bumper to bumper plain and simple warranty, can I assume that non franchised dealers can service these during period of coverage without impacting warranty?

Then we have up to D6 with this Extended Warranty Protection Service slipped in order to qualify for the second year. Is this a fixed price deal if so how much is it for say a single D4 in a shaft?

Very knowledgeable post
The only way out of this with respect would be for Volvo Penta to immediately issue a statement to the effect that the existing warranty is outdated and a new one is being drafted which will operate retrospectively (without prejudice to anyone wishing to claim from the original one).

24 months base warranty, main dealer service or serviced competently.
60 or 72 month warranty covering major parts

Block, crankshaft, main bearings, conrods, pod castings etc

Unless of course the engines / drives are only expected to last 12-24 months in which case the consumer should be forewarned.

 

[PaulGooch]

Funny, i can go buy a top of the range Mercedes and service it myself, providing i follow the service schedule and use genuine Merc parts (both of which seem perfectly sensible).

But i can't buy even the simplest of VP engine and service it myself. Even though many VP engines are automotive based.

Oh, wait, there is legislation in place to prevent car manufacturers from preventing anyone else to do the servicing. We can but hope that similar legislation comes into force to protect boat users from such practices.

 

[David of Essex]

In reality I suspect Volvo are suckering dealers by finding an electronic means to dip your wallet
Good post and I like your no nonsense style.
David

 

[Ropewalk Marine]

As to the warranty stuff how do you explain that D9 and up you have two year bumper to bumper plain and simple warranty, can I assume that non franchised dealers can service these during period of coverage without impacting warranty?

I'm afraid that the answer is that Volvo Penta's (from D1-13's to D13-900's) require servicing by a Volvo Penta Dealers whilst units are within warranty. As for anything bigger than this, I don't know....We dont deal with anything bigger than a D13.

Then we have up to D6 with this Extended Warranty Protection Service slipped in order to qualify for the second year. Is this a fixed price deal if so how much is it for say a single D4 in a shaft

Not sure I understand this. I think you are asking if we provide fixed priced service packages to maintain warranty. The answer is categorically YES, we offer 2 year service packages on new engines and will keep the engines in warranty with absolutely no hidden costs. If a unit requires service or fails within this period there would be no further cost to the cleint. This is usually paid in one up front payment and any parts that are not required are either refunded, left on board or left on the customer's account as a credit at the end of the term. (It depends on the customers requirements as to how we deal with excess service parts.)

It seems as though contributors to this forum are keen to damn Volvo Penta’s Warranty no matter what. Our initial reply on this forum was simply posted to defend the VP warranty, which was being “Done Down” in comparison to Yanmar. The fact is that VP do insist on a VP Dealers stamp on the service book for the first service and the end of year service (which includes an inspection with an automatic extension of the warranty to a two year period.)

It is true that other manufacturers do offer better warranties. This said, “Kia” offer a more comprehensive warranty than PaulGooch’s “Merc”, but like Paul, I’d go for the Merc! (Please don’t slate us for this comment... this is said very tongue in cheek!) Personally I rate SCAM Marine units, but we dont stock them because suprisingly enough they dont sell!

The point is that VP are streets ahead of their competitors in form of their Partner Network. I get the impression that Latestarter1’s feels that our previous comments were suggesting that Volvo’s Vodia tool is more powerful than anything CAT or Cummins have deployed. This was not what we were trying to put across........ The key problem seems to be that a relatively simple (And what should therefore be inexpensive) tool is not cheap to Dealers and totally inaccessible to Non-Dealers. The reason for this total inaccessibility to Non-Dealers is down to VP’s choice to deal with the administration of Vodia software through their Partner Network.

In our opinion, dealing with the administration of the tool’s software in this manner is sensible, as it assists VP to ensure that all users of the Vodia tool are trained, using the same data files, whilst ensuring that VP retrieve details of faults centrally to facilitate future enhancements and useful changes. (This is not to say that there have not been a few hiccups as detailed by LateStarter1. )

We believe that VP do have a superior infrastructure of say CAT or Cummins...... For sure, the Vodia is just software on a Windows Mobile Platform, witha COMS port, but the way that the software is administered is first class. All Volvo Dealers are using the latest versions of the software and VP are keen to prevent unauthorised use with a view that this can only help increase reliability and maintain service standards............ Whether this system works well is a matter of conjecture, but we are loyal to our Dealership.

We'd like to add that depending on the cause of failure, warranty claims can sometimes be passed through, following proven competent non-VP service history. This will not happen without the history that you do have! If you get told that the unit is out of warranty due to lack of VP service history without any consideration whatsoever, your Dealer is not trying hard enough for you! Having said this VP are keen to ensure that their Dealers maintain their products within warranty periods. Personally, I don't think you can blame VP for that unless you are either being overcharged or receiving bad service from your local Dealer. If this is the case then you have a duty to directly report such Dealers to VP or start having a go at the bad Dealers.

 

[volvopaul]

I'm afraid that the answer is that Volvo Penta's (from D1-13's to D13-900's) require servicing by a Volvo Penta Dealers whilst units are within warranty. As for anything bigger than this, I don't know....We dont deal with anything bigger than a D13.



Not sure I understand this. I think you are asking if we provide fixed priced service packages to maintain warranty. The answer is categorically YES, we offer 2 year service packages on new engines and will keep the engines in warranty with absolutely no hidden costs. If a unit requires service or fails within this period there would be no further cost to the cleint. This is usually paid in one up front payment and any parts that are not required are either refunded, left on board or left on the customer's account as a credit at the end of the term. (It depends on the customers requirements as to how we deal with excess service parts.)

It seems as though contributors to this forum are keen to damn Volvo Penta’s Warranty no matter what. Our initial reply on this forum was simply posted to defend the VP warranty, which was being “Done Down” in comparison to Yanmar. The fact is that VP do insist on a VP Dealers stamp on the service book for the first service and the end of year service (which includes an inspection with an automatic extension of the warranty to a two year period.)

It is true that other manufacturers do offer better warranties. This said, “Kia” offer a more comprehensive warranty than PaulGooch’s “Merc”, but like Paul, I’d go for the Merc! (Please don’t slate us for this comment... this is said very tongue in cheek!) Personally I rate SCAM Marine units, but we dont stock them because suprisingly enough they dont sell!

The point is that VP are streets ahead of their competitors in form of their Partner Network. I get the impression that Latestarter1’s feels that our previous comments were suggesting that Volvo’s Vodia tool is more powerful than anything CAT or Cummins have deployed. This was not what we were trying to put across........ The key problem seems to be that a relatively simple (And what should therefore be inexpensive) tool is not cheap to Dealers and totally inaccessible to Non-Dealers. The reason for this total inaccessibility to Non-Dealers is down to VP’s choice to deal with the administration of Vodia software through their Partner Network.

In our opinion, dealing with the administration of the tool’s software in this manner is sensible, as it assists VP to ensure that all users of the Vodia tool are trained, using the same data files, whilst ensuring that VP retrieve details of faults centrally to facilitate future enhancements and useful changes. (This is not to say that there have not been a few hiccups as detailed by LateStarter1. )

We believe that VP do have a superior infrastructure of say CAT or Cummins...... For sure, the Vodia is just software on a Windows Mobile Platform, witha COMS port, but the way that the software is administered is first class. All Volvo Dealers are using the latest versions of the software and VP are keen to prevent unauthorised use with a view that this can only help increase reliability and maintain service standards............ Whether this system works well is a matter of conjecture, but we are loyal to our Dealership.

We'd like to add that depending on the cause of failure, warranty claims can sometimes be passed through, following proven competent non-VP service history. This will not happen without the history that you do have! If you get told that the unit is out of warranty due to lack of VP service history without any consideration whatsoever, your Dealer is not trying hard enough for you! Having said this VP are keen to ensure that their Dealers maintain their products within warranty periods. Personally, I don't think you can blame VP for that unless you are either being overcharged or receiving bad service from your local Dealer. If this is the case then you have a duty to directly report such Dealers to VP or start having a go at the bad Dealers.

Ropewalk, all very interesting and up to date info from volvo, I too am an independent engineer, ex yacht haven berth holder too, and have had volvo training in the past and can get any info I want from dealers as I need it.

I too as per latestarter admire you loyalty to VP.

What you have not mentioned about VP Uk is how the dealer network is now being scaled down, and that sub dealers now have to buy there parts from 4 main uk big boy dealers instead of being direct to VP for parts, are you still direct or do you have to buy through another south coast dealer.

I have serviced many engines and drives that are still in warranty, EU law states that anyone can carry out servicing as long as there UK vat registered and use genuine parts from a UK based dealer, so far not a hiccup, I have also helped out customers get there warranty claims paid through the boats supplier, where other dealers have been very reluctant ill say to help with claims.

Id say that after the first year from experience some customers have been given the cold shoulder on warranty claims that have arisen just outside the 12 month period, mainly due to faults arising from poor installation by the builder, funny thing is that builders are certified VP boat dealers and yet in the event of claims main dealers then spout poor installation.

Therefore id say the 2nd year can be iffy based on , what boat, what make, what engine etc etc, ive seen some very poor installs on UK boats that instantly give Volvo a bad name and yet they still continue to supply the engines to the builder, faults arise and the cycle goes round in a circle leaving the owner a 3 way battle with everyone else while his boats useless, all parties blaming each other.

 

[Ropewalk Marine]

Not willing to comment on the restructure! Dont want to upset anyone now do we!
Is that you Mr Terry?

 

[Latestarter1]

Good to see that this is a good civilised discussion

As for comments on the Vodia; VP are miles ahead of their competition, releasing software updates and new data files on a daily basis across their network. Dealers pay VP a significant fee for this service. Also, any faults found on vessels using a Vodia tool are reported to VP to enhance development of their products, development of software and diagnostic functions on the Vodia. This allows much improved service to all VP customers, allowing Dealers to undertake diagnostics more efficiently.

We knew that IPS controls are real clunky and that Axus/Zues funcionality caused Volvo to panic. At one time Volvo had more Axus units on order than any one boatbuilder.

One of the results;

12/6/2010
Volvo Penta and Yamaha Motor Sign Technical Agreement for Joint Development of Boat Control Systems

by Susan Calloway

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. and AB Volvo Penta today announced that they have signed a technical agreement for the joint development of control systems for boats with outboard motors.

“We are proud to be working with Volvo Penta,” said Ben Speciale, Yamaha Marine Group President. “As a leader in outboard innovation, we look forward to providing the market with advanced technologies that we know will emerge from the relationship.”

The engine control systems that will be developed under the agreement include single remote control for outboard-powered boats. The new product will combine power and steering control in one easy-to-use, electronic device. The intention is to greatly improve maneuverability and ease of docking for larger boats that use outboard power.

The joint development of these and other systems will pair Yamaha’s expertise in outboard propulsion with Volvo Penta’s expertise in control systems. “We are excited about the opportunity to combine the talents of Yamaha and Volvo Penta engineers to achieve new levels in state-of-the-art marine control design. Our independent customers will be the direct beneficiaries of this strategic alliance,” added Clint Moore, President and CEO of Volvo Penta of the Americas.

In addition to the boat control systems for outboards, the companies will work together on a wider scope of boat control systems including those for Volvo Penta’s marine engines.

 

[Latestarter1]

Going back to my original point. Volvo are big player in the US, however it is a toe to toe situation with CMD not one of market dominance.

The result; http://www.volvopenta.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/VPA/47700967 - NA Marine Warranty.pdf

D4 though D16 simple TWO YEAR bumper to bumper warranty package, NO turbo rotating electrics exclusions and NO Volvo certified dealer lock in for servicing as well as your extended major components warranty on bits that do not break. Only screwy thing is that you have to refer to Bosch for fuel system warranty, however repairing dealer normally handles that.

All about customer being king!

 

[GrahamHR]

Going back to my original point. Volvo are big player in the US, however it is a toe to toe situation with CMD not one of market dominance.

The result; http://www.volvopenta.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/VPA/47700967 - NA Marine Warranty.pdf

D4 though D16 simple TWO YEAR bumper to bumper warranty package, NO turbo rotating electrics exclusions and NO Volvo certified dealer lock in for servicing as well as your extended major components warranty on bits that do not break. Only screwy thing is that you have to refer to Bosch for fuel system warranty, however repairing dealer normally handles that.

All about customer being king!

.......and in the US Volvo Penta have a parts website and will sell consumers parts directly ( the prices are considerably cheaper than in Europe; What a surprise, it's only accessable from the US, surely not for market price protection ! )

Graham

 

[titanic]

This is fairly common. In the UK Porsche cars come with a 2 year warranty. In the US the same car has a 5 year warranty. As long as we continue to accept this it will go on .........

 

[Ropewalk Marine]

.......and in the US Volvo Penta have a parts website and will sell consumers parts directly ( the prices are considerably cheaper than in Europe; What a surprise, it's only accessable from the US, surely not for market price protection ! )

Graham

Please can you post the link to the us site that you refer to. I'd like to do a comparision with our site
It is our understanding that Volvo Penta prevent access to the US site unless you are in the states. You could get around this if you are using a proxy server in the States, but I don't know how this could be set up. Is this how you're getting around this? If so spill the beans!
I'd like to check this out and run a comparison to UK prices. A well informed Dealer may prove useful to fight the customers campaign, but we need to know how to get around this if we are to fight your cause.

 

[DAKA]

Thank you Ropewalk for joining the debate

Having said this VP are keen to ensure that their Dealers maintain their products within warranty periods. Personally, I don't think you can blame VP for that unless you are either being overcharged or receiving bad service from your local Dealer. If this is the case then you have a duty to directly report such Dealers to VP or start having a go at the bad Dealers.

You have identified the problem correctly.
Boat owners (with warranted engines) are not tight or hard up, the reason some owners want to go outside the main dealer net work is because they trust their own mechanic more.
(note example of the 24v alternators above).

 

[volvopaul]

Not willing to comment on the restructure! Dont want to upset anyone now do we!
Is that you Mr Terry?

No its isnt m r Terry, I will give you a clue my name is in my nickname.

Didnt think you would comment on the shake up at VP its not hit the press, I have been surprised at the cost of parts from various dealers and now to add insult to any customer that deals with not one of the big 4 how long a lead time it takes to get parts that are not in stock, if say its summer and his boats out of action due to a part that is not in stock at Rugby, he is simply going to pay through the nose for it as the smaller companies have a 4 day lead time unless the customer wants to pay through the nose.

The only other man on here that can relay true info is latestarter.

 

[Ropewalk Marine]

Thanks for this Paul.

I'm not getting dragged into posting anything that could come back and bite us, but this is only partially true.

Dealers are paired up with VP Centres who in theory hold more stock that the Dealers. Some of the bigger Dealers have agreed high charges for Next Day Orders (24 hour carriage) and offset this with savings on Stock Orders. (3 day carriage)

Dealers who will avoid passing on the high Next Day Delivery costs will have increased their stock accordingly. Any Dealer worth his salt will have analysed their market and stocked accordingly. It is therefore possible for Dealers to feel that they have been penalised by indirectly being forced to make significant investment in stock, but that's not the end users problem. I don’t really see the reason for concern on the restructure on this forum........ With respect, this issue is internal and we don't consider this to be the place discuss Volvo Penta's infrastructure unless the end customers feel that they are losing out on service. The internal deals that are agreed with the Centre's were subject to negotiation between the Dealer and the Centre.

From a customer’s perspective, availability of stock has improved to the end user, and RRP of Volvo Penta Parts and Engines has remained unaffected by the changes. Despite Dealers not being able to receive Next Day orders before 730am the next day; depending on a Dealers proximity to the Centre, it is usually possible for many Dealers to obtain parts on a same day basis. Therefore more stock than ever before held at both Dealer and Centre for same day delivery. Fulfilment of orders is therefore higher than ever before, improving availability of parts to the end customer.

This said, it is my understanding that some Dealers are still not carrying enough stock, or have negotiated a cheaper next day delivery charge and a higher planned order charge. It therefore may be a case of these Dealers not carrying enough stock, buying things in at too much money and passing the costs on? Answer to this is change Dealer.

Therefore your post possibly results from a case of a specific Dealer not adjusting the changes quicker?

And that is all I've got to say on the Restructure!