Auto editor Niek Schenk replies: ‘Throughout the European Union, a 2-year warranty is required by law. Any additional warranty is usually not arranged by the manufacturer at European level. The importer can decide for himself how much extra guarantee he gives.
A longer term is sometimes intended to boost sales in the country in question. For example, the Dutch Kia importer opted on its own for a 7-year warranty in order to distinguish itself in our market.
And even per country there are sometimes differences in warranty periods within the same brand. In the Netherlands, for example, Volkswagens with a diesel or petrol engine currently have a 4-year warranty. But you only get a 2-year warranty on an electric VW.’
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