HONDA'S fleet customers are paying more than 85% more for replacement parts than those operating cars manufactured by their volume competitors, according to research by the Fleet Accident Repair Group. The findings come just weeks after the Japanese manufacturer warned its UK component suppliers that the strength of Sterling meant that unless they dropped their prices, Honda would turn instead to European suppliers.

Using Ford as the benchmark - because it proved to consistently have the cheapest parts - FARG found that in 1999, invoiced Honda parts costs averaged 85% higher than Ford and the average overall cost of repairing a Honda was 40% higher during the same period. The research was based on 27,000 repairs carried out by FARG in 1999.

Honda refuted some of the claims, believing FARG was not comparing like-for-like. A spokesman said: 'We are surprised because we would always aim to keep our prices in line with other manufacturers.'

John Robinson, FARG sales and marketing director, said: 'Honda should look at its parts pricing strategy rather than blaming the cost of replacement parts on their suppliers, or get their purchasing department to find out who is producing parts for Ford and Vauxhall and get them to make them.'

Copies of the FARG report, 'Manufacturer comparisons -passenger vehicles 1996-99 repairs' are available from John Robinson on 0161-972 0645