As exciting and essential as the exponential improvements in technologies utilised by the latest generations of cars has been – not least in the areas of passenger safety and vehicle efficiency – the resulting challenges for those that are tasked with their maintenance has inevitably had to follow a similar curve.
In the novel Nine Tomorrows the author Isaac Asimov criticises society’s increasing reliance on computers by portraying a futuristic world where these digital ‘overlords’ essentially control all aspects of human life.
Although seemingly far-fetched, this concept is certainly one that has translated into the world of passenger car production more rapidly than other elements of our everyday lives, with the vast majority of vehicle systems and behaviours dictated by computers and sensors. As a result the disciplines associated with automotive maintenance have been altered irrevocably.
In some respects this has been favourable to independent repairers. No longer is a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach available to the car-savvy consumer, evidenced by the fact that even a humble light bulb change requires access to, and a full understanding of, the replacement process. Even if this is achieved, what was once a five minute job can now take as long as a couple of hours, meaning the skills of a professional technician must be put to good use in the vast majority of servicing tasks.
On the contrasting side of the coin, the requirement for repair data and information – often specific to each individual model – has meant that vehicle manufacturers essentially hold the keys to the door. Should they choose not to disclose this to a wider audience (outside of their own dealer networks) then, to all intents and purposes, the capability of an independent repairer to access and repair certain vehicle systems is limited.
In recognising this fact, those who exert the power to implement European law saw fit to create legislation (in the form of the original 2002 version of the Block Exemption regulation, and its 2010 successor) to ensure vehicle manufacturers are not allowed to unduly leverage this situation to their advantage by creating a monopolistic platform on which aftersales repairers (both franchised and non-franchised) are forced to ply their trade.
The EU’s edict is that easy and clear access to information on vehicle repair and maintenance is key to guaranteeing free competition in the vehicle aftermarket. To this end, manufacturers must ensure that independent operators, active in the vehicle aftermarket, have easy, restriction-free and standardised access to information on the repair and maintenance of vehicles, without discriminating between authorised dealers and ‘independent’ repair workshops.
Although Block Exemption has seemingly created a level playing field for all parties concerned then, has the access to repair and maintenance data been as ‘easy’ and ‘clear’ as the legislation dictates?
Seemingly not, judging by the European Commission’s recent decision to commission a further study into the effectiveness of the system of access currently in place. This follows hot on the heels of a report by Dutch car firm BOVAG which was damning, to say the least, in its conclusion about the levels of BE compliance that some vehicle manufacturers had achieved.
Taking up the story, Stuart James, Director at the RMI IGA, explains: “We’re extremely encouraged that the European Commission has launched a review into the process of access to vehicle repair and maintenance information.
“The recent BOVAG study shows that elements of this information are still not available, yet it remains vital that garages have access to technical information in order to repair cars now and in the future. We are therefore pleased that the commission has decided to act on this issue.”
The company tasked with carrying out the latest review across the whole of the EU is Ricardo-AEA, a leading provider of market analysis, advice, and data. The European Commission then hopes to use the results to determine whether a revised framework directive is required to cover all of the provisions that currently govern access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, and whether further legislative measures are required to pull non-compliant manufacturers in to line.
The effectiveness of such an initiative is, however, reliant on existing motor vehicle technicians filling out a specially prepared survey/questionnaire. All responses will then be used to help further with recommending ways to improve the system and ensure fair access to technical information for all operators.
As such, feedback from independent technicians could play a crucial role in ensuring that the future of their business is safeguarded, as Stuart states: “The IGA has been instrumental in lobbying the European Commission to start this consultation and we’ve been liaising with Ricardo-AEA to ensure that the survey provides the right information.
“We are working closely with our members to ensure that the voice of UK independents is heard and we expect/require a high level of response by the end of the study.”
WHAT IS THE SURVEY ALL ABOUT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT YOU FILL IT OUT?
The objective of the study – carried out by Ricardo-AEA – is to produce a full review of the system of access to vehicle repair and maintenance information for Euro 5/6 vehicles.
The confidential survey will be used to evaluate a) how well the system of access to vehicle technical information is operating; and b) the impacts of the system on competition, particularly given the ability for all repairers to access and use relevant technical information on vehicles.
The results will then help the European Commission to decide whether the current system is ‘fit for purpose’ or needs refining.
The survey should take around 20 minutes to complete and any information provided will be treated with full confidentiality.
It is essential that a good volume of independent repairers take the time to fill out the online questionnaire, and that it is also completed as fully as possible.
The cut off date for submissions is the end of May, so make sure you lend your support before then!
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact VehicleRMI@Ricardo-AEA.com
YOU CAN ACCESS AND FILL OUT THE SURVEY BY LOGGING ON TO:
