AAAA Aims at consumer choice of repairer

The repairers will benefit, says the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) if it can persuade vehicle manufacturers and importers to make technical information more widely available.

To this end, the AAAA is launching a trade campaign to promote consumer choice and fair competition in the automotive parts, accessories, repair and service industry.

In announcing the campaign at the AAAA Collision Repair Expo, the association said that vehicles are becoming increasingly complex, due to the growing use of hi-tech materials and electronics to control more systems, including drive-train, safety performance, comfort and convenience features.

"The challenge for independent aftermarket workshops is to keep up-to-date with the information, technology and tools required to repair modern vehicles," said AAAA executive director, Stuart Charity when he launched the campaign.

AAAA is worried that Australia's car company dealer service centres have automatic access to date and equipment and that there is no clear requirement for vehicle manufacturers and importers operating in Australia to make technical and diagnostic information available to independent aftermarket repairers.

Charity said that most independent aftermarket businesses find that technical information is difficult to access. "In Australia, we have no regulated process to ensure this vital information is disseminated," he said. "This means independent parts and accessories suppliers, service, mechanical and collision repair workshops in Australia must rely on the goodwill of vehicle manufacturers to get the information or equipment they need.

"At present, some vehicle manufacturers make it easy for independent aftermarket businesses to access vital technical manuals, update bulletins, software patches and equipment. Many do not make it easy. The technology playing field is not level and, in the future, customers will have less choice about who can do their repairs and what parts are used. This issue is especially relevant in regional centres and when vehicles age past their statutory warranty period."