Automotive parts have come under focus in the last week, with questions over the prices charged by dealers for parts, in comparison to the prices for which parts can be sourced via the internet.

Public comment made to the NZ Herald's Swideswipe column have given anecdotal examples of steep markups, such as:

• A $685 quote by a dealer for a light not held in stock was instead sourced direct for US$40 - and four weeks quicker than the time allegedly quoted by the dealer.
• A Volvo seatbelt buckle was quoted at $1000, but sourced from a UK dealer for $165 including shipping.
• $700 for a Peugeot key

MIA chief executive Perry Kerr says the figures need to be taken with a grain of salt.

"I'm surprised at some of the figures that have been quoted," says Perry, "And I think if you delve into it a little bit I think it will often be a case of miscommunication between the dealer and the customer."

"The key I can understand, as often these days that would involve reprogramming the immobiliser and security system."

Despite that defence, he says the comments are not a good thing for the industry.

"Those comments don't reflect well on the industry and they concern me," he says. "The perception is bad."

Kerr says the parts industry has responded in recent years to the way the market has been changing, both to the availability of parts from other sources and with the way the insurance industry now tenders for work and spare parts.

Kerr notes Hyundai, Honda and Toyota as examples of firms that have already reduced pricing on parts and gained market share from doing so.