The Motor Traders' Association of NSW (MTA NSW), an Employers Association representing thousands of automotive businesses in NSW, has strongly welcomed the Government's announced commitment to develop and implement a mandated Code of Conduct to guarantee access to car manufacturers service, repair and data information.
MTA NSW said the release of a consultation paper outlining principals and key elements of a proposed Code of Conduct was a step in the right direction, and welcomes the intended creation of an advisory group of which we will be an active participant, working alongside our national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA).
"As the only NSW Employer Association to represent dealers, independent service providers, repairers, dismantlers / recyclers, and other automotive industries, MTA NSW has worked closely over the last 24 months with MTAA to advocate to ensure any regulatory solution takes into account the needs of all automotive businesses and consumers, " said MTA NSW CEO, Stavros Yallouridis.
"We have proactively participated with the MTAA Member States and Territories to develop a draft Code of Conduct as a potential solution which has involved extensive analysis of both European and US practical experiences to ensure a pragmatic approach is achieved," he said.
The selected mandated Code of Conduct fulfils a recommendation of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to implement a scheme to guarantee consumers and all repairers access to essential car manufacturer information, allowing consumers greater capacity to exercise freedom of choice on who services and repairs their vehicle.
"The Code of Conduct must not advantage or disadvantage any service provider over another and ensure consumer choice and a level playing field for all automotive sector industry participants. If done correctly then there should be benefits for dealers, independent mechanical repairers and other repair providers," Mr. Yallouridis said.
MTA NSW looks forward to contributing to resolve any outstanding issues and implementation of the Code of Conduct.
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