The UK bodyshop industry is being crippled by parts delays costing tens of thousands of pounds, a shock new report reveals.

Results of the MVRA's annual Parts Delay Survey show that 85 per cent of accident repair centres are forced to put up with one or two hold-ups a month.

And 56 per cent get no help from vehicle manufacturers or insurers on solving the problem.

Of the 237 members questioned, more than half say the average cost in terms of storage, courtesy car loans and increased administration costs is more than £350 per delay.

Now, bodyshops are calling on manufacturers to sort the problem out. One says: “The only way to get a manufacturer to respond is by giving the customer the manufacturer's number. Carmakers will not listen to the frustration of a repairer.”

Another says: “If carmakers had to face the angry owner of a month old car, when we cannot supply a front wing or grille because they are back-ordered or not yet available, maybe things would change.”

Roy Smith, MVRA customer service manager, was surprised by the lack of manufacturer support.

He says: “Now that we have this data we are hoping to encourage the manufacturers to re-visit their policy on parts production and supply and to look at fresh ways of tackling and eventually eradicating this growing problem.”