FLEETS operating vehicles made with aluminium bodies rather than steel are being warned by one industry repairer that they may face higher repair costs.

Some repairers charge up to 25% more for labour costs when repairing aluminium, because it can be so difficult to work on, according to motor insurance claims group WNS Assistance.

Tim Rankin, the group’s managing director, said: ‘Aluminium-bodied cars need a separate repair bay from steel-bodied vehicles because airborne particles can cause corrosion in the aluminium. These are expensive to install.’

Manufacturers have been switching to aluminium in a bid to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient models.