eBay UK has announced it will partner with insurers Aviva and LV to encourage the use of recycled car parts, helping counter problems affecting the supply of new parts.
According to eBay, 65 per cent of car dealers experienced part supply issues in the first quarter of 2021 due in part to Brexit, with drivers left waiting for weeks for new car parts. Using recycled parts, eBay says waiting times could be cut to two or three days.
eBay says sales of green parts sold on the platform have risen by 24 per cent year-on-year in the first seven months of 2021.
“The use of green parts is increasing within the industry as motorists are becoming more aware of the benefits of using sustainable options,” the company said. “Green parts are also a more affordable option for drivers. The average cost of a new part is £245 ($460), while green parts can deliver savings of up to 70 per cent versus OEM recommended retail price.”
eBay says that in addition to being a quicker alternative, recycled parts are better for the environment. Research estimates that if all insurance demand had been filled by green parts in 2019, nearly 47,000 tonnes of carbon emissions could have been saved. For example, for 2300 car doors sold on eBay’s green parts platform, 278 tonnes of carbon emissions could be saved.
eBay said it is also working with green parts sellers to ensure every product sold is supplied by an independently certified automotive recycler, giving buyers faith that their cars will be repaired with reliable parts.
“Many drivers are unaware of the huge benefits that green parts can have when looking to get their cars repaired,” said Laura Richards, Senior Automotive Business Manager at eBay UK. “The number one priority when your car breaks down is getting back on the road as quickly as possible and green parts can play a vital role in this, especially when Brexit is slowing the importing process. The environmental benefit of green parts is huge, and at eBay we’re doing all we can to offer these options to our customers and partners.”
James Dunn from AW Repair said the use of green parts has slashed waiting times for customers. “Recycled green parts have been a great alternative solution for us, particularly in the current climate when the manufacturer and supply of parts has been hindered. Green parts help complete repairs and return cars back to the road more quickly where an original part may be back-ordered or no longer available.
“Everyone is more aware of the need to protect our planet and working with eBay provides a simple and straightforward platform for us to contribute to positive change.”
Chris Morgan, Director at ASM Autos, said the company has seen an uplift in demand for these products in recent years. “Working with eBay has been a great process, and for us it’s absolutely crucial that our customers know that our parts are certified, so we are pleased to see that this is an area which the platform is focusing on, as reliability is key in the automotive industry,” said Morgan.
Adam Marshall from Aviva said the insurer has worked closely with eBay and VRA Certification to support the development of a sustainable supply chain to help meet its commitment to customers and the environment. “We are committed to repairing our insured’s vehicles safely, at a high quality, with the utmost regard to our environmental responsibilities and as quickly as possible so that policyholders have a great claims experience,” Marshall said.