Franchised new car dealers welcome competition

Australia’s franchised new car dealers are welcoming the competition for service and repair that will arise from the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) coming into effect from July 1 says the Australian Automotive Dealers Association (AADA).

The AADA says the MVIS will allow independent repairers the option of purchasing vehicle service and repair information from car manufacturers and other information providers.

The scheme will create a level playing field in the market, allowing independent repairers to obtain the information OEMs share with their dealers on fair and reasonable commercial terms.

“Our technicians are factory trained in the latest service and repair techniques and they have the most up to date manufacturer specified tools and equipment. Franchised dealers have and always will have an important role to play in the service and repair market,” AADA chief executive James Voortman says.

“Dealers already have good relationships with their local independent repairers to whom they regularly sell genuine parts and accessories. There are more than 20 million registered cars in Australia and keeping them safe and reliable is a job bigger than any one sector of the service and repair industry,” Voortman says.

“The AADA played a part in establishing the scheme, working collaboratively with our industry colleagues at the FCAI, AAAA and MTAA. 

“Together, our respective organisations have formed the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) which has been appointed by the Australian Government as the Scheme Adviser, responsible for managing the scheme and reporting to government on its progress. 

“Never before have our organisations worked so closely together and this serves as a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work co-operatively,” he says.

The AADA commends Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh, for his long standing support of the scheme. 

“We look forward to working with the Government and our fellow automotive industry bodies in implementing these regulations,” Voortman says.