The Australian Automotive Dealer Association is contributing to the design of a mandatory system for the exchange of vehicle service information to independent repairers.
The AADA has been in developmental discussions with assistant treasurer Michael Sukkar about the need to create an effective, safe and cost effective data access program.
Features the AADA wants to see are common, uniform costs for all users whether a franchised dealer or independent repairer, and cyber security protocols that protect vehicle, emission and safety data with technical qualifications required for select staff.
The AADA also expects to see a substantial and multi-layered administration body that acts independently of the industry, with no conflict of interest.
AADA chief executive David Blackhall says the association is making progress.
“Although it’s debatable how much information is out there, the ACCC says we need this code,” he says of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which drew the conclusion last year from its new car retailing market study.
“It appears inevitable so our focus is on making sure our franchised dealer network workshops continue to see a sustainable revenue that is not disrupted by access to vehicle data,” Blackhall tells AutoTalk.
“The deputy prime minister says the government is very committed to the data sharing code. Our view is a pragmatic one, and we want to be part of the solution.”
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) executive director Stuart Charity says compromise is in the air.
“Both minister Sukkar and Mr Sims’ speeches reflect their commitment to developing the reforms that will protect 16 million Australian car owners along with their freedom of choice in selecting their automotive repairer,” he told the Autocare 2018 expo in Sydney earlier in May.
“After the comments made in front of hundreds of AAAA members, it is very clear that we are nearing the end of the road to gaining a mandatory code for our industry,” Charity adds.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber refutes the need for such a data sharing system as “unnecessary”.
“With 23,000 independent outlets already having access to information on 85 per cent of the market via the FCAI website and other sources, where is the market failure that we are trying to address?” he asks in a statement today.
“With independent repair operators already servicing a vast majority of the Australian car fleet, the sector is already accessing important information to enable it to carry out service activity,” Weber continues, “Otherwise, how are these vehicles currently being serviced?”
The FCAI says it “supports a viable independent service and repair sector” but maintains automakers put a “high premium on security, environmental standards and the safety of motorists and as such, has stopped short of opening access to security and safety information.”
Weber agrees with the AADA in the importance for careful administration of data assets and guarantee the “additional red tape” does not make the situation worse.
“To mandate this process will require vast amounts of regulation and a new bureaucracy to police the system to ensure consumers are protected as vehicles become more and more complex,” he says.
“Mandated access to complex automotive service and repair data must also bring with it the need for the independent sector to invest heavily in the appropriate levels of training and equipment,” Weber adds.
The FCAI says under a compulsory scheme, independent repair businesses should be required to register and prove its workers can demonstrate the correct tools, technical equipment, and training to service modern, high-tech cars is available and held to standard.
The association concludes that “independent repairers should make greater use of available resources before the sector is compelled to utilise a burdensome mandatory regime.”
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