IAAF shares common concerns at global meeting

Wendy Williamson, chief executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), attended the global ‘Right to Repair’ conference at Automechanika Frankfurt, hosted by FIGIEFA, bringing together representatives from international automotive aftermarket associations to unite against mutual threats affecting the industry.

Delegates from Australia, Brazil, Europe, South Africa, the United States, South-East Europe and many other parts of the globe met to discuss the common concern of the connected car and the challenges involved in promoting equal access to technical repair and maintenance information.

The delegates recognised the growing international issue regarding the lack of support provided to consumers throughout the world, with aftermarket associations keen to fight for the right to access this information, granting consumers freedom of choice when servicing their vehicle.

Williamson said: “It was interesting to share common concerns that we face throughout the aftermarket on a global level. These meetings help us to identify growing issues and to learn lessons in order to fight these threats. It was great to meet like-minded members of similar federations and initiate key discussions to generate thoughts on how we can unite and work together to challenge these threats.”

The conference also addressed the growing issue of embedded telematics systems on vehicles and the affect this has on a consumer’s right to choose where to take their vehicle for repair and maintenance.

Williamson added: “We are currently facing a situation whereby an uneven playing field is developing as access to in-vehicle data is changing through the technological developments of the connected car. Aftermarket federations across the globe agree that the industry needs legislative frameworks to protect the consumer’s right to choose where to service their vehicle.”