Independent vehicle repair workshops can now source vital maintenance data from vehicle OEMs after the groundbreaking law comes into effect
A scheme known as the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS), which allows independent vehicle repairers to purchase vital service information from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), officially commenced operations on July 1.
Enshrined in law and overseen by the newly created Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA), the MVIS requires vehicle OEMs to supply repair documents and software to independent repairers at a fair market price.
The scheme, which will also come under the purview of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, has been in the works for more than three years, after a growing groundswell of dissent from repairers and vehicle owners about the inability to access vital repair data for more modern vehicles.
Nearly 400 membership applications are currently being processed by AASRA, which provides workshops with a single location to access participating manufacturer portals which cover 90 per cent of the vehicles sold in Australia.
AASRA board directors include the COO of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association, Brian Savage; the CEO of the Motor Trades Association of Australia, Richard Dudley; the Director of Emerging Technologies at the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Rob Langridge; and Stuart Charity, the CEO of the Australian Aftermarket Association of Australia.
Motor Vehicle Information Scheme garners widespread support
The scheme, which covers cars and light commercial vehicles built since January 1 2002, has been welcomed across the automotive sphere.
Australian Automotive Dealer Association CEO James Voortman said that franchised new car dealers welcome the competition from independent repairers.
“Dealers already have good relationships with their local independent repairers to whom they regularly sell genuine parts and accessories,” he said.
“There are over 20 million registered cars in Australia and keeping them safe and reliable is a job bigger than any one sector of the service and repair industry.”
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Insurance body welcomes Motor Vehicle Information Scheme
The Insurance Council of Australia also welcomes the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme.
“As an industry that authorises around 1.4 million repairs annually, the vast majority of which are conducted by independent repairers, insurers are pleased to see the MVIS come into effect,” said ICA CEO Andrew Hall.
“It is critical that repairers have fair access to repair information to ensure a competitive repair sector.”
Mr Charity, whose association represents independent workshops around Australia, said the AAAA was proud to see the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme finally become reality for workshops.
“The AAAA has long fought for a law that gives independent workshops a fair go and motorists a choice of repairer. After more than a decade of campaigning, we are proud to see this law finally become a reality for the industry,” said Mr Charity.
“The new law will make a real difference to your workshop. I’ve spoken to many of our members who couldn’t wait for the new law to be operational so they can access the information they need when they want it.”
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