International Motor’s decision to now honour the warranties of new Subarus sold by third party retailers is ‘an act of good faith’ and not a U-turn, according to chairman and chief executive Ed Swatman.

In an attempt to clarify its position on warranties, the UK’s official importer and distributor for Subaru, Isuzu and Daihatsu has told AM that its desire to defend the brand’s reputation and to represent the best interests of the consumer lie behind its apparent stand-down.

Swatman says: “We have approached both the Office of Fair Trading and the European Commission to express our concern regarding the innocent Subaru owners who have bought vehicles in good faith believing them to be covered by Subaru’s pan-European warranty.

“As a result of this, and the support from Fuji Heavy Industries, we are pleased to announce that IM will honour all warranties if they are accompanied by a stamped book.”

IM says the legality of its position remains clear-cut. Under block exemption rules on selective distribution, it is prevented from honouring warranties on those vehicles sold by resellers. The importer says it has now managed to honour the warranties without being in breach of BER.

“Measures are in place to ensure that this type of situation won’t happen in the future,” says Swatman.

Subaru expects supply from other countries to dry up.