Federal push for the right to repair
Published: 26 Jul 11
An inquiry by the federal government could give independent mechanics access to the information needed to repair high-tech cars so that drivers will not be forced to use official dealerships to get their vehicles serviced at high prices.
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association wants tools, training and diagnostic equipment made available to all car repairers for the same price car companies sell it to their dealers.
Cars are more complex than ever, which is why change is needed in the car-service market, said AAAA executive director Stuart Charity.
Some independent repairers have had to subcontract work back to dealers already, Mr Charity said, and this trend will grow as cars became more complicated.
One independent mechanic, surrounded by dealership-repairers said they (dealers) exploit a privileged position. “They’re charging hefty prices”
Going through official dealership channels can be expensive, A Mercedes-Benz oil filter for a ML500 4WD can cost $85, but an equivalent part costs just $7.
In some cases, mechanics could do the repair easily but have to spend money to get an official code just to turn off the computer-activated warning light.
The argument from the car industry is that it needs to recoup the money spent on research and development.
Experts warn that car dealers “might increase the purchase price of vehicles if opportunities to make profits from authorised repairs are restricted”.
The government review, which was commissioned by parliamentary secretary to the Treasurer David Bradbury and carried out by the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council, will consider whether the revenue dealers generate by repairing cars might lower the cost of vehicles through cross-subsidies.
Access to repair information is a global issue. In the US, a “right to repair” campaign has being running for more than a decade and is opposed by car manufacturers. In the European Union a similar campaign got traction, leading to changes to European legislation in late 2010.
Source: AFR.com
