Auto industry debates technical information access

A historic meeting of the automotive industry could make significant inroads into the issue of access to manufacturer technical information.All sectors of the Australian automotive industry gathered together to discuss the contentious issue of access to technical information on 6 September, as this magazine was going to press.

VACC believes the ‘Vehicle Service and Repair Information’ Conference, during Freight Week, at the Melbourne Park Function Centre will be one of the most significant gatherings of automotive sector representatives the industry has seen.

“It is not unusual for individual automotive sectors to meet in large numbers, but this will be the first time representatives from manufacturers, importers, dealers, service and repairs, insurers, associations, parts retailers, government and others have come together under one roof,” VACC executive director David Purchase said.

“The conference will discuss the issue of access to technical, diagnostic, service and repair information, because if we do not do so now, it could have serious consequences for motorists and business owners in the future,” Purchase said.

The significance of the Vehicle Service and Repair Information Conference has increased following a decision by the Honourable David Bradbury MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, to
defer the deadline for submissions to an Issues Paper, Sharing of repair information in the automotive industry in order to consider the presentations made at the conference.

“Tuesday 6 September 2011 will be an important date for the Australian automotive industry. We are not expecting the conference to yield a common consensus on the day, but it will provide a unique opportunity for all sectors to have their say and to hear the views of others. VACC has organised this national and industry-wide conference because we recognise the issue needs to be discussed,” Purchase said.

AP&P attended the conference, publishing a report on www.paintandpanel.com.au. The report and any follow up actions from the conference will be covered in the November/December issue.