GM follows Chrysler into the lifetime warranty business... with Vauxhall

That's right. General Motors has taken the bold step of offering a lifetime warranty with all new Vauxhall vehicles it sells. Not surprisingly, the warranty is non-transferable and is only good for the first 100,000 miles on the odometer – apparently their definition of 'lifetime' is a bit different from that of Chrysler. Unlike their crosstown rivals, however, the guarantee covers most of the vehicle's major systems, including the engine, transmission, steering, brake and electrical components. Not too shabby. The company is even looking into a way to offer the remainder of the warranty to second owners, which shows a pretty sizable amount of confidence in the company's build quality as of late.
Interestingly enough, we haven't heard a peep about similar programs for Vauxhall's twin, Opel, or any of The General's other deserving children. Here's hoping that GM is using the Vauxhall warranty as a testbed for the rest of the family. Few things help move cars quicker than the peace of mind that comes along with the knowledge that the dealer will take care of any woe you have down the line. Similarly generous warranties have helped both Hyundai and Kia establish themselves here in the States, and they'd probably go a long way towards rebuilding consumer consideration. A bigger and perhaps more interesting question is, will this same guarantee apply to the forthcoming Vauxhall Ampera?

Hit the jump for a look at the official press release. Thanks for the tip, Lesbert!


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[Source: Vauxhall]

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VAUXHALL FIRST TO OFFER LIFETIME WARRANTY ON ALL NEW CARS
2010-08-05

* All new Vauxhall cars now covered by lifetime warranty from day of registration
* Comprehensive OEM warranty covers all major components throughout car's life
* Enhances appeal of Vauxhall's world-class car range still further
*
Luton - In an unprecedented industry move, Vauxhall is introducing a lifetime warranty on all its new cars with immediate effect, providing the potential of comprehensive coverage throughout each vehicle's life.
Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty will apply to the first owner of any Vauxhall car registered from August 1 2010. Warranty coverage continues throughout the life of the car until it reaches 100,000 miles.

'With the Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty, we are making a strong statement of confidence in the quality of our products and a clear intent to provide the very best customer service in the UK,' said Duncan Aldred, Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors.

The comprehensive new OEM warranty cover includes powertrain, steering system, brake system and electrical equipment throughout the life of the vehicle. To maintain the Lifetime Warranty, owners simply need to visit a Vauxhall retailer annually for a free vehicle inspection. Vauxhall is also set to announce details of a further programme enabling second owners to purchase the Lifetime Warranty.

Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty is the latest innovation from the UK's oldest surviving car maker, which this year celebrates its 107th anniversary. Since 2006, the company has launched a raft of world-class products, including the latest Corsa, Agila, Meriva and Astra models, as well as the European Car of the Year-winning Insignia.

'Great design, engineering excellence and innovative thinking come as standard with every new Vauxhall so a lifetime warranty, with its boost to the customer ownership experience, is a natural extension to the appeal of our products', added Duncan Aldred.

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