The Automotive Distribution Federation accused Nissan of misleading the motorist, pointing out that “parts of matching quality” may be used within the warranty period and that the source of the material is immaterial.

Nissan admitted the error on its part, writing to both the motorist and the ADF.

“ADF are correct in the information they have supplied and will take care in the future with the information we are submitting to our customers,” Nissan said.

ADF chief executive Brian Spratt said: “We can't allow dealers and manufacturers to frighten motorists into abandoning their rights to take their vehicles to independent repairers.”