A Win for Independent Car Repairers

[csv8]

A voluntary code of conduct between car manufacturers and independent automotive repairers would give small businesses improved access to the latest suite of servicing technology and contribute to savings for car owners, the Federal Government says.

The growing technological gap among mechanical workshops means that some car owners are currently forced to take the often more expensive path of having their vehicle serviced at a local dealership.

But changes to that could be delivered via a code of conduct arrangement, with car manufacturers set to make more technical data available to smaller, independent mechanics.

The concept was recently mooted by the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAAC), which handed down an inquiry on the matter last year.

The Assistant Treasurer, David Bradbury, said the changes would reap benefits for independent mechanics and for car owners.
Advertisement

“The Government will ask the chairman of CCAAC, Mr Colin Neave, to monitor industry-led negotiations on a voluntary code of conduct, with a report to government by mid-year,” he said.

“If industry representatives fail to make substantial progress on the code by the end of this year, the government will start a process to examine other regulatory options, including a mandatory code of conduct.”

Mr Bradbury said many regional car owners were forced to travel long distances to have their vehicle serviced, a trait which would be banished under the new arrangements.

“Consumers should have the right to choose where they take their cars for service and repair," he said.

"Modern cars are highly sophisticated machines that require access to data to allow repairers to diagnose and repair them.

"It is a source of great frustration for consumers when they take their car to an independent repairer only to find they cannot complete a service, not because they lack the skills or equipment, but because they cannot access the required data and technical information.

"I welcome the efforts of independent repairers and car manufacturers to work out a way that this data can be made available so that consumers have a genuine choice and I will be closely monitoring the progress of these discussions.”

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed the government’s decision.

AAAA executive director Stuart Charity said industry advocates have been lobbying for a new arrangement for some time.

"The AAAA introduced the Choice of Repairer campaign [in 2009] to protect choice and competition in the vehicle repair and service sector by eliminating any technical or legal barriers that impact on the Australian consumers’ right to have their vehicle serviced and repaired at competitive prices in the workshop of their choice,” he said.

“We congratulate Assistant Treasurer Bradbury for recognising the need to address this important consumer issue and his leadership in facilitating a solution.”

Under the changes, the Federal Government will also release an awareness campaign to educate consumers about their warranty rights.

"Under the Australian Consumer Law, suppliers have a legal obligation to guarantee the quality of goods and services,” Mr Bradbury said.

"Any suggestion by car manufacturers that cars need to be serviced at a licensed dealer to maintain the owner's consumer guarantee rights is not correct."
http://brisbanetimes.drive.com.au/mo....html#comments

[Smoke Pursuit]

Sweet.... About time!

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by csv8

"It is a source of great frustration for consumers when they take their car to an independent repairer only to find they cannot complete a service, not because they lack the skills or equipment, but because they cannot access the required data and technical information."

Half truth, we came across a Volvo where a special tool was needed to remove the rear control arms (IIRC) from the car. Can't by one of Volvo, and not every Volvo dealer has one...its sent out when needed.


While a general service should be able to be carried out anywhere, there are some instances where special tools are required.