Manufacturers, independent repairers mark 5th anniversary of successful information-sharing arrangement
Celebrating the 5th anniversary of an information-sharing agreement among vehicle manufacturers and independent repairers, the participants are terming the endeavor a success for all involved. The Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) agree that the voluntary arrangement is effectively providing the same service, repair and training information to independent repairers as is made available to franchised automotive dealerships. “The 2002 ASA-automaker agreement has provided our industry with a model for information that will assure repairers the necessary information for the foreseeable future,” says ASA President Ron Pyle. “This model is indicative of the industry’s ability to resolve many important issues in the marketplace without government intervention when the automotive industry works together,” he adds. “ASA is proud of the progress made for independent repairers relative to service, training and tool information,” Pyle points out. “Speaking as a shop that does both collision and mechanical repairs, the agreement is a good thing,” says Darrell Amberson, ASA’s collision division director and president of Lehman’s Garage in Bloomington, Minn. “I wholeheartedly support it based on my own experience.” Lehman’s has six locations throughout the Twin Cities, and Amberson reports that “I can’t say we’ve had issues getting information” necessary to complete the various jobs rolling into the bays. “The OEMs have responded,” he asserts. Amberson advises ABRN readers that cooperation among the shop and manufacturer segments is far better for the industry than pursuing controversial Right to Repair legislation. “I don’t like government regulation unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he says. Mandating information-sharing is likely to create a tangle of bureaucratic red tape and gum-up the works regarding industry/manufacturer cooperation that is already being accomplished. “The OEMs would only comply with the minimum amount that they have to,” Amberson believes. “It’s better to have an ongoing forum where we interact with them.” According to AAM CEO Dave McCurdy, “Manufacturers recognize the importance of the independent repair industry and remain committed to ensuring that consumers have the option of having their vehicles serviced by the repairer of their choice.” “We believe our customers should be able to seek vehicle repair services wherever reliable and first-rate service is offered,” concurs Mike Stanton, AIAM President and CEO. “Automakers work very hard to make high-quality cars and trucks, and their reputations could be jeopardized if customers felt they could not go to the service and repair shop of their choosing,” he says. “To help resolve service and repair related issues, independent repairers are encouraged to work through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF),” the parties declare in an anniversary joint statement. The organization is designed to serve as a forum “to identify and resolve gaps” regarding both repair data and the availability of the proper tools necessary to complete a job to each customer’s satisfaction. “This national, voluntary solution has proven to be an effective resource for repairers and manufacturers alike,” the participants contend. NASTF presents “a productive forum for dialogue between independent repairers, other industry stakeholders and automakers as well as an effective mechanism to help identify and resolve the few information gaps that remain,” they say. About 75 percent of all post-warranty repairs are performed by independent repairers: “This voluntary agreement ensures the continuing viability of the automotive service industry and eliminates the need for current and future legislation.” AAM consists of nine manufacturers: BMW, Chrysler, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. AIAM’s member companies include American Honda Motor Corp., American Suzuki Motor Corp., Aston Martin Lagonda of North America, Inc., Ferrari North America, Inc., Hyundai Motor America, Isuzu Motors America, Inc., Kia Motors America, Maserati North America, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., Nissan North America, Inc., Peugeot Motors of America, Renault, SA, Subaru of America and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. AIAM also represents OEM suppliers and other automotive-related trade associations.
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