New car servicing laws ‘a great win for consumers’
Government set to force car-makers to share service and repair data with independent workshopsThe Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) have jointly hailed the federal government’s announcement of draft legislation that will mandate access to motor vehicle service and repair information for independent workshops.
After years of lobbying by stakeholders, the legislation promises to level the playing field for aftermarket repairers and also benefit their customers.
“This is a great win for consumers,” said VACC chief executive Geoff Gwilym.
“Now motorists will be able to have their vehicles serviced anywhere they want with confidence because all repairers will have equal access to the manufacturer data required to correctly service, maintain and repair their vehicle.
“Motorists own their vehicles, and they have the right to have them repaired where they choose.
“Dealers and independent repairers need this information from manufacturers. The industry has been calling for it for years. Now it looks like the government will make OEMs [car-makers] play fairly.”
Access to service data has been a contentious issue for bodies such as the VACC and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) over many years and has placed the aftermarket association in direct conflict with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which represents vehicle importers and distributors.
The FCAI members have been reluctant to hand over servicing data for cars that they would prefer were serviced through their own franchised dealer networks.
However, the AAAA and the MTAA have successfully argued that restricting vehicle owners to servicing at franchised dealers is contrary to the prevailing competition policy of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
According to information from the VACC, the draft will shortly be released for review and consultation.
It’s believed that the legislation will be supported by $250,000 going towards “an industry-led organisation” that will recommend processes to expedite the legislation.
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