The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) said it is encouraged by the number of trade organizations expressing their support for mandatory regulations that would address the sharing of repair and service data.

After the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released a draft report on Aug. 10, the Motor Trades Association of Australia and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce expressed support for a mandatory data-sharing standard, according to AAAA.

“Since the release of the New Car Industry Draft Report findings and the ACCC’s detailed research into specific cases, more organizations have now concluded that a mandatory solution to the sharing of repair and service information with independent repairers by the car manufacturers is the right approach,” AAAA said. The report “has played a significant role in creating a shift compared to some of these organizations’ prior positioning on this and other major issues directly affecting their independent repairer members.”

The draft report “has created a united front” among organizations pushing for a level playing field for Australian consumers and independent repairers.

“To see the industry coming together and the organizations that represent both independent repairers and authorized dealers calling for a level playing field is outstanding,” said Stuart Charity, AAAA executive director. “I think that it shows we are now able to sit around the table and talk to the ACCC about the best design for a mandatory solution that would benefit fair competition and foster good outcomes for consumers, independent repairers and car manufacturers, along with their dealer networks.”

The 145-page report has garnered widespread media coverage in Australia, AAAA noted.

“There is little doubt that the impact of the very thorough industry examination carried out by the ACCC has been highly significant and effective,” Charity said. “The investigation included forensic research by independent experts, the likes of which the independent automotive aftermarket industry has never had access to before. The investigation also sought car manufacturer responses to specific complaints and the ACCC findings have managed to change many opinions in the industry.

“We welcome the organizations representing consumers, automotive retailers, independent repairers, parts manufacturers, and new car dealerships supporting a mandated approach that the AAAA has championed and taken the lead role in trying to achieve since 2009.”

Voluntary Standard Not a Success

The draft report asserts that a voluntary data-sharing standard implemented three years ago has been a failure. The standard lacked oversight and “dispute mechanisms,” according to AAAA, and “was largely ignored by car companies and their dealers, at the direct expense of Australian consumers and independent repairers.”

“We certainly don’t regret being involved in the Voluntary Code process, but after nearly three years of operation it became painfully clear that it just didn’t work,” Charity said.

“We were pragmatic in our initial signing of this agreement, but the car manufacturers were not committed to making the agreement work and that has led us to where we are today. Despite all of our good intention and our co-operation, the voluntary approach did not have any meaningful impact on the availability of vehicle repair and service information and this has been verified by the independent experts who contributed to the ACCC investigation.”