The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has challenged assertions that lack of access to service and repair information is putting jobs at risk in the automotive aftermarket.
The group has argued that there should be no need for a mandatory data-sharing regime because it believes that Australia's service and repair industry already has access to detailed and comprehensive data and information.
FCAI CEO Tony Weber said that repairers are already able to access information necessary for servicing.
“With 23,000 independent outlets already having access to information on 85 per cent of the market via the FCAI website and other sources, where is the market failure that we are trying to address?
“With independent repair operators already servicing a vast majority of the Australian car fleet, the sector is already accessing important information to enable it to carry out service activity.
“Otherwise, how are these vehicles currently being serviced?”
In its statement, the FCAI said that it supported a viable independent service and repair sector but also placed a premium on security, environmental standards and the safety of motorists as a reason for stopping short of opening access to security and safety information.
“The government needs to ask how much additional red tape is needed to address a perceived future problem.
“To mandate this process will require vast amounts of regulation and a new bureaucracy to police the system to ensure consumers are protected as vehicles become more and more complex.
“In addition to information, a mandated regime for repair businesses will need to ensure that all registered repairers can demonstrate that they have the correct tools, technical equipment and training to service modern, high-tech cars.
“Each of these factors will require ongoing investment by the service provider to maintain standards and ensure community safety.”