A move by new car dealerships to block independent mechanics from accessing information, tools and computer programs needed to repair new vehicles has been slammed by the auto industry.
Now, according to an article in news.com.au., “Toyota has announced it will break ranks from the other top brands – and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) – and allow all of its information to be accessed by independent repairers.”
Toyota’s breakaway comes even though it was the first brand to offer capped price servicing (CPS) in Australia, in an attempt to keep customers coming back to its national network of 200 dealership service departments.
Toyota introduced capped price servicing in 2008 but now all of the ‘Top 10′ brands — and some European marques — also offer fixed price certainty on routine services.
However, the FCAI’s new voluntary code of conduct, released yesterday, blocks independent repairers by allowing dealers to choose whether or not to make the resources available.
On the surface, the logic seems simple – if no one else can fix it, a new car will have to come back to its place of purchase for repair.
Independent repairer Velmec Automotive owner Paul Vella told the Gympie Times there was nothing new about dealers trying to lock buyers into staying away from independent mechanics.
“If the death of the local mechanic did happen, it would be from capped-price servicing. But once that capped-price servicing package runs out, they come back to see us,” he told the Gympie Times.
Vella also warned the FCAI may not realise what resourceful people it was up against, with electronic “trade secrets” often leaked online soon after their creation.
“The internet is a wonderful thing these days. Someone is always out to beat the system,” he adds.
The RACQ’s technical and safety policy executive manager Steve Spalding takes a dim view on restrictions to the information. “It’s progressively getting more difficult for independent repairers to get the information they need,” Spalding notes.
He points out that motorists have a right to choose their mechanic but agreed manufacturers had a right to charge for restricted information.
In another example of the fight for vehicle servicing dollars, Hyundai has introduced lifetime capped price servicing. Effective from September 1, 2014, Hyundai’s lifetime CPS scheme will apply to all Hyundais sold in Australia since the brand launched in 1986. All vehicles – cars, SUVs and light commercials – now become eligible.
Hyundai’s ‘roadside assist’ service has also been extended from seven to ten years as part of lifetime CPS. Hyundai has already been giving customers a five-year new vehicle warranty as part of ‘iCare’.
Meanwhile, FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says the regulations are nothing new: “We will not tell you how to turn the airbag off,” he says.
The RACQ’s technical and safety policy executive manager Steve Spalding takes a similarly dim view. “It’s progressively getting more difficult for independent repairers to get the information they need,” Spalding notes.
He points out that motorists have a right to choose their mechanic but agreed manufacturers had a right to charge for restricted information.
“Manufacturers have put a lot of work in preparing that information. But it should be made available for an appropriate fee.”
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