Carsales Staff•20 Oct 2014
NEWS
Consumer rights jeopardised: AAA
Motorists' association argues data sharing code will protect dealers, keep servicing costs highThe Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has sided with the motorists it represents in the fight for vehicle data sharing.
In a press release issued today, the AAA has joined the fight between the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). As explained in a report last week, independent repairers – AKA the aftermarket industry – are not being fed the vehicle repair data they need to fix cars without being in breach of the manufacturer's warranty.
Representing the car companies and dealers respectively, the FCAI and the AADA share a view – which doesn't mesh with that of the aftermarket industry.
According to Andrew McKellar, now the Chief Executive of the AAA (and formerly on the other side of the fence heading up the FCAI), the auto industry's decision to launch its own code of practice "demonstrates a level of arrogance and contempt for the interests of consumers."
"The decision to proceed with the release of a Code while efforts were still underway to resolve a broader agreement with consumers and other stakeholders represents a serious breach of faith," McKellar was quoted saying in the press release.
The AAA's press release legitimately highlights what might be considered a conflict of interest for the FCAI's members and their dealers.
"The car brands have sought to protect their own interests and the interests of their franchised dealers by limiting access to a range of service and repair information," he said.
"The Code itself is completely inadequate but more importantly, the car brands should return to the consultation table and re-commit to an agreement between all parties in the service and repair sector," he said.
"Consumers deserve the right to have genuine choice about where to have their vehicle serviced or repaired and we have urged the Minister for Small Business to intervene to protect the rights of the motoring public," McKellar concluded.
Tags
Car News
Written byCarsales Staff
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.