FCAI fires back at ACCC

Tempers are frayed at the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), following remarks made in a wide-ranging speech delivered yesterday by Roger Featherston, Commissioner for the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC).

In a press release issued late yesterday, Tony Weber, the FCAI's Chief Executive, expressed the view that the ACCC's position has confused the issue and Featherston's comments are not aligned with government plans already announced. Furthermore, it's clearly far removed from what the local automotive industry would prefer.

"The ACCC displays a lack of consistency and technical knowledge in its statements about this issue, and pity the poor consumers out there who are looking to their taxpayer-funded watchdog for any clear advice on this matter," said Weber.

"On its own website, the ACCC warns consumers about the perils of parallel imports and how limited protection is offered in these transactions. Now it has not only back-flipped on this advice but foreshadowed a situation in which businesses can import vehicles – in complete contradiction to the Minister's stated position."

Over an extended period the FCAI and its constituent members have been consistently critical of any attempt to change the regulatory landscape for parallel imports, claiming that sheer diversity of the local industry ensures strong competition – without detriment to the best interests of the consumer.

"Our market is already one of the most competitive in the world, with over 67 brands and more than 400 models, and this is a significant part of why vehicle affordability in Australia is at its best in 41 years," said Weber.

"The ACCC is taking a perplexing and simplistic stance to what is a complex issue laden with massive financial risks and limited protection for consumers who inadvertently make a bad decision.

"The ACCC seems to think that someone can jump on the Net and make an overseas car purchase as easily as picking up a mobile phone, book or handbag.

"We doubt the technical expertise of the ACCC to declare that cars engineered and built for other markets are suitable for Australian conditions. After all, we are not talking about a CD."

"The industry is working closely with government on striving for world's best standards and practice on safety, emissions and autonomous vehicle technology. How does it make any sense to step backwards based around assertions as these?"

Picture courtesy of Dave_7/Wikimedia Commons