CAMPAIGNING FOR
THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE
The Your Car, Your Choice campaign not only benefits motorists,
it helps ensure the livelihoods of the independent aftermarket too,
the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) explains.
Under EU Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation 461/2010,
vehicle manufacturers have the duty to honour the vehicle’s warranty
when it is serviced outside of the dealer network. This provides
motorists the power of choice in having their vehicle repaired and
maintained on their own terms, provided the parts used are of matching
OE quality and recorded as such. However, the level of awareness and
understanding about this right to choose needs to be improved in order
to clarify the choices available to motorists. motorists are unaware of this legislation. It is the aftermarket’s duty
to educate motorists about their rights, as well as giving them the
opportunity to choose the best option for their own requirements.
Also known as Right2Choose, the Your Car, Your Choice campaign
was recently relaunched by the IAAF. This was in a bid to refocus
the industry’s attention on the importance of choice towards vehicle
maintenance and repair work, whilst educating motorists about their
rights. In order to cascade the correct information to motorists, motor factors
are encouraged to get behind the campaign and empower garages to
spread the word.
We’re urging motor factors to work alongside IAAF to tackle
misconception within the industry and beyond. This message is
incredibly important, not just for motorists but the future of the
independent aftermarket.”
THE STAKES ARE CLEAR
Your Car, Your Choice was launched as the IAAF recently lent its
voice to a broad industry coalition calling upon the EU Commission for
fair and equal access to in-vehicle data and resource. The IAAF estimates that the UK independent aftermarket is worth
more than £13.5 billion and provides more than 250,000 jobs, making
it one of the biggest in Europe. A motorist’s right to choose is equally
beneficial to motor factors and garages as it creates healthy competition
within the aftermarket.
In order to continue offering the high level of competitive services
demanded by customers, all independent operators within the entire
automotive supply chain must be able to compete on an equal footing
with vehicle manufacturers by accessing the vehicle, its data and
functions independently. Williamson said, “It’s clear what is at stake here and our solution is
for fair and equal access to vehicle telematics, to ensure safety and
security is maintained, whilst safeguarding competition, innovation and
consumer choice. Thus, it is crucial that competition, innovation and
consumer interest must be at heart.”
Currently, in-vehicle access platforms are controlled and accessed
by the vehicle manufacturers, preventing independent businesses
from embracing digital opportunities, and consequently jeopardising
consumer choice, innovation and economic growth. The Your Car, Your Choice website (www.yourcaryourchoice.co.uk) provides
comprehensive information including:
WHY THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE AFTERMARKET’S FUTURE
Wendy Williamson, IAAF Chief Executive, said: “We’ve now instilled
a fresh impetus into the Your Car, Your Choice campaign as many
6 YOUR CAR, YOUR CHOICE CAMPAIGN
A WEALTH OF RESOURCES
• Legislative documentation that provides an insight on the EU Motor Vehicle
Block Exemption Regulation 461/2010
• Where garages can update a motorist’s digital service record
• A database of reliable independent garages or autocentres
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 51