"Vehicle manufacturers dragging their feet" IGA tells EC

After a meeting with the Independent Garage Association (IGA), the European Commission plan to review the way vehicle manufacturers make security information available to independent garages. At a recent meeting with Maria Rehbinder, Head of Unit, from the European Commission, the IGA, CECRA (European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs) and BOVAG (Independent Dutch Trade Body) presented a detailed report on the problems independent garages are currently experiencing when trying to access security information from vehicle manufacturers. Car manufacturers have an obligation to provide technical service bulletins, recall information, online diagnosis and software updates for new cars.

Stuart James, IGA Director commented. “This report highlights that access to this information is still proving difficult to obtain. This information is the life blood for independent garages to be able to repair cars in the future. We need to act now to ensure independent garages across the country can continue doing the work they have always done.”

The report made it clear that vehicle manufacturers are not yet complying with European Commission requirements in a variety of areas. Two areas of particular concern were interpretation of fault codes and retrieval of part numbers. Stuart James continued: “At the meeting, the Commission confirmed that they will be conducting a review of the effectiveness of the regulation in 2012. We welcome the opportunity to meet with vehicle manufacturers and find a solution that benefits all parties.”