NEWS
FCAI urged to re-open talks
Quality of workmanship suffering in vehicle data sharing debateThe vehicle data sharing row between car companies and independent repairers is about more than just cost to the consumer.
Indeed, with car companies offering fixed-price servicing at costs that independent repairers may not be able to match, the argument that consumers will be hit severely in the hip pocket by the FCAI's code of practice is harder to sustain.
Both sides have their own points to make about sharing data, with an industry insider telling motoring.com.au that panel beaters have been known to reassemble damaged cars without airbags fitted.
At the other end of the scale, even a relatively simple task such as changing batteries in a central locking key fob requires specialist knowledge only available from a dealer, it seems. One of the local manufacturers – with an extensive dealer network – has a 'procedure' to fix the problem created when an independent repairer breaks the soldered mount that holds the battery in place in the key fob.
That procedure? Wad up some cardboard and jam the battery in position...
In the latest news, the Australian Motor Industry Federation (AMIF) has issued a press release calling for 'unity' and essentially asking the FCAI (car companies) and AADA (dealers) to return to the negotiating table for further discussion. The AMIF is not supporting the FCAI's voluntary code of practice, which was what sparked the debate in the first instance, but CEO Richard Dudley adheres to the view that the interests of consumers are best served by having all stakeholders formulate a strategy for vehicle data sharing.
"Clearly, consumers have the right to choose where they get their vehicle repaired or serviced so, in large measure, this issue is about consumer rights," Dudley was quoted as saying in the press release.
According to the AMIF, dealers alone cannot meet the needs of the nation's 17.6 million strong vehicle parc – necessitating the gap be filled by independent repairers. Handing the car companies and dealer networks a bone, the AMIF has suggested the FCAI's members are reasonably entitled to receive money in return for sharing the information, although our insider threw around a figure of $18,000 for one service manual on CD-ROM. That would be a heavy impost for one independent repairer to bear.
For its part, FCAI members argue – usually behind closed doors – that independent repairers take short cuts and put at risk anti-theft security for central locking transponder codes, to cite one example, if vehicle data is shared with them indiscriminately. Presumably these are all points for further discussion, if the AMIF can convince the FCAI and AADA to recommence negotiations with the AAAA.
"At a time the Australian automotive industry is reeling from skill shortages, change and restructure, it is time the industry provided leadership in resolving this issue before it is done for them," Dudley concluded.
Picture courtesy of Interiot/Wikimedia Commons
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Written byCarsales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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