Rising costs and technical complexity challenge vehicle maintenance and transport sectors

Vehicle owners and transport providers are facing rising operational and maintenance costs due to technical complexity and economic shifts. In Spain, mechanic Enrique Álvarez warns that modern vehicle designs, which incorporate more sensors and integrated electronic components, are making repairs significantly more expensive. He notes that simple interventions that previously cost around 28 euros can now exceed 400 euros due to the need for specialized tools, specific parts, and extensive diagnostic time.

In Argentina, the school transport sector is struggling with a combination of declining demand and high vehicle replacement costs. Transport provider Rodolfo Bogarsukoff reports that a decrease in birth rates is reducing the number of students, leading to fewer active transport units. Additionally, the cost of new vehicles has become prohibitive, with new vans costing approximately 130 million pesos, forcing many operators to rely on the used vehicle market or seek alternative income through excursion services.