The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will look into allegations sparked by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) regarding non-compliance from major car manufacturers.
The AAAA has taken issue with the lack of participation from manufacturers after signing onto the voluntary Agreement on Access to Service and Repair Information for Motor Vehicles signed by stakeholders in December 2014.
As a result the AAAA has claimed that independent shops have not been getting the access to service and repair information from stakeholders as per the agreement.
Commissioner Roger Featherston (pictured) said that the ACCC is now assessing the claims and await imposing further action.
“Even though the conduct doesn’t contravene the Act, it may still raise issues that need to be considered in more detail.
“The effectiveness of the voluntary code of practice is an issue to be decided by the industry, and ultimately may be a policy decision for the Government.
“The ACCC will continue to look closely at allegations received from the AAAA, particularly if the conduct involves anti-competitive conduct.”
AAAA executive director Stuart Charity has applauded Featherston's acknowledgment of the critcisms.
“The voluntary agreement signed by all industry stakeholders 16 months ago has not had any meaningful impact on the availability of vehicle repair and service information.
“The Competition and Consumer Act was not designed to address the emerging consumer issues created by rapidly developing technology in the automotive industry.
“To ensure a fair and competitive service and repair market for Australia’s 13.1 million car owners, all repairers need access to the technical service and repair information that the car companies’ are now only sharing with their dealers.”