A new car fact sheet outlining consumers’ legal rights has been produced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) so they are better informed during the purchasing process.
And the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) is encouraging its members to hand the sheet out to customers, after it was explained in more detail at the AADA convention this week.
“The AADA has offered our support in communicating the ACCC’s expectations to our members . We invited the ACCC to address our national convention and have alerted our members to the new car buyers guide via our various communication channels,” chief executive David Blackhall says.
“Through its comprehensive new car retail study, the ACCC has developed a good understanding of the challenges facing the industry and consumers.
“We are delighted with the constructive relationship we have with the ACCC and will always assist them when possible.”
ACCC commissioner Sarah Court says the ACCC’s market study into the new car retailing industry highlighted concerns that consumers do not receive adequate information about their consumer guarantees when purchasing a new car.
“We have developed a fact sheet that can be referred to by new car buyers in the event there is a problem. This will help them quickly and easily understand their rights.
“It is now incumbent on dealers to get this information to new car buyers. Consumers should receive the fact sheet as a standard resource, included with other written materials such as the owner’s manual and servicing log book.”
In some instances, manufacturers have treated their customers very poorly when there have been serious mechanical issues with vehicles, she says.
“We have dealt with this poor behaviour in the courts and will continue to take action where we see systemic and egregious breaches of consumer law. The industry must ensure consumer law is front and centre of manufacturers systems, policies and procedures.”
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