Independent workshops across Australia are starting a new chapter this week, thanks to a transformational law that promotes a fair and level playing field in the automotive service and repair industry, and ensures consumers have a choice of repairer.
As of July 1, the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) is operational in Australia. The law, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, compels vehicle manufacturers to provide all service and repair information to independent repairers at a fair market price.
“The law is a game-changer for thousands of independent workshops across the country who now have access to dealer level vehicle information for all brands sold in Australia, including software updates, wiring schematics, technical, security and EV information. This ensures workshops can compete in the market on a level playing field, and it future proofs their businesses,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).
For many years, independent workshops struggled to obtain vehicle service and repair information from manufacturers and desperately sought a solution, turning to the AAAA to champion their cause. As vehicle technology advanced, the need for access to manufacturer level vehicle information for diagnosis and repair became ever more important.
“The AAAA has long fought for a law that gives independent workshops a fair go and motorists a choice of repairer. After more than a decade of campaigning, we are proud to see this law finally become a reality for the industry,” said Stuart. “The new law will make a real difference to your workshop. I’ve spoken to many of our members who couldn’t wait for the new law to be operational so they can access the information they need, when they want it.”
The responsibility of the day-to-day operation of the scheme and access to manufacturer vehicle information is handled by the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA).
AASRA has created a subscription hub to access manufacturer information. Joining AASRA provides workshops with a single location to easily and quickly access all of the participating manufacturer portals, which cover 90% of the vehicles that are sold in Australia today. AASRA subscribers also have access to the AASRA help desk, which will quickly action any missing information issues workshops have. Non-participating brands are providing their own front door to subscription services.
Signing up to AASRA is only $90 + GST per year, per technician, for base level access and verification. There are also subscription options for security information and EV information. The pricing of each is published on the AASRA website. To sign up, automotive businesses can visit http://aasra.com.au, follow the prompts and begin accessing information, efficiently and effectively.
Given the sheer size and scope of this ground-breaking law, the complexity of the requirements, and the number of stakeholders involved, there will be elements of the scheme, and AASRA subscription portal that will need tweaking as the scheme gets underway, the organizations have said. AASRA welcomes feedback from subscribers to ensure the scheme is meeting your needs at [email protected]
“I want to sincerely thank everyone in the industry that has helped us throughout this campaign, in particular the support of our members. I’d also like to acknowledge the Australian Automotive Dealer Association, the Motor Trades Association of Australia and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries for their contribution to the new law,” Stuart commented.
