Man has to sell his Volkswagen after vegan wires were ‘eaten by rats’ | UK News

An angry driver may have to sell his ‘dream’ campervan after its plant-based wires were eaten by rats.

Ian Newbold, 52, has claimed the vegan materials used by Volkswagen attracted the rodents – leaving him to foot a £1,500 bill.

The rat-related issues began last month when the dad-of-two, from Leeds, was driving to Harrogate to visit his mother-in-law.

During the drive, the vehicle stopped accelerating past 30mph, prompting the keen camper to take it to a Volkswagen dealership.

After inspection, the mechanic told him ‘rats will have eaten through that’ and ‘this has been happening for years’.

Mr Newbold spent decades saving up to buy the £60,000 Volkswagen California campervan, but as the rat damage isn’t covered by warranty, he may be force to sell.

He told the Yorkshire Post: ‘I have dreamt of owning a camper for 40 years and we realised that dream and love it.

‘Given that the expensive repair will not prevent this from recurring, we are planning to sell it.

‘Upon investigation, this is widespread and a known problem with several manufacturers. A local Volkswagen trader said they are getting loads.’

A Volkswagen spokesperson said in a statement: ‘We can confirm there are no products in the wiring or pipe coating which would actively attract animals.

‘Rodents can seek out chewing materials and nesting places, gaining access through very small holes, and there are areas of vehicles that cannot, and should not, be completely sealed.’

The company said it is not a ‘common issue’, and recommended buying products that can help ‘deter rodents’ or contacting a pest control company.

The wiring in question is thought to be made of soy-based insulation, a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum based insulation.

But Mr Newbold may have to sell his beloved campervan as costs continue to spiral in relation to the rodent issue.

Online, the issue has sparked fierce debate, with one Reddit user saying: ‘Rats chew on outdoor and indoor wires all the time – they’re perfect to grind down their incisors.

‘It doesn’t have anything to do with the vegan materials. They have to do that because their teeth never stop growing.’

To avoid rodents chewing the wiring in your car, it’s recommended to seal the access point, keep your car clean and use rodent repellant if needed.

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