The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) market study into the new car retailing industry.
The organisation believes the study heralds an important step in safeguarding the right of consumers to choose the vehicle repairer of their choice.
AAA chief executive Michael Bradley believes the market study has allowed the ACCC to unearth whether or not independent repairers have had critical access to diagnostics.
“Access to diagnostic information is critical to ensuring cars are properly serviced.
“So with the amount of data produced by cars set to skyrocket and the rights to that data to become even more important to consumers, it is timely for the ACCC to examine whether there has been a lack of access to vehicle service and repair data, and if so, whether it has caused consumer detriment or created barriers to entry for independent servicing and repair businesses.”
Bradley has also welcomed the ACCC's focus on the adequacy and accuracy of information provided to consumers surrounding fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
“The Australian Government currently performs no independent or real-world testing of vehicle manufacturer claims when it comes to the emissions and fuel usage of new cars sold in Australia.
“As a result, fuel consumption labels on vehicle windscreens are based on laboratory tests largely performed overseas, and in some cases by the carmaker.
“It is critical that we ascertain the degree to which these resemble the actual fuel use and emissions profile of the vehicle when used on Australian roads.
“The failure to adequately audit manufacturer compliance with current or future emissions standards will see Australians at risk of paying much more than they expected to run their new car.
“For most Australians a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases they will make. With the average household spending around $17,000 a year on transport, it’s very important their rights to privacy, repairer choice and fair running costs are maintained.”
While the AAA has welcomed the market study, ANCAP has voiced concerns surrounding safety to the ACCC.