The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has slammed a Which? report for criticising seven car makers over new car warranty conditions on servicing.

The magazine claims that servicing through a franchised dealer is still mandatory for many new car warranties, despite Office of Fair Trading (OFT) concerns, published in its new car warranty report last December.

The SMMT says “car companies have responded in full to the OFT concerns and have moved quickly to change terms relating to servicing conditions. Servicing via reputable, non-franchised outlets is now available to buyers of all new cars, without affecting the validity of any of the industry's free peace-of-mind warranties.”

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, says, “This latest Which? report is wrong and sends a confusing message to consumers. It is a cheap shot at an industry which offers comprehensive warranties and has moved quickly to address OFT concerns over new car warranty terms and conditions.”