Access to data is increasingly being restricted, UK AFCAR finds

UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair gathers evidence that workshops are facing restricted access to data and repair and maintenance information

Access to data is increasingly being restricted, UK AFCAR finds

Independent workshops are facing increasingly restricted access to data and repair and maintenance information (RMI), new evidence gathered by UK AFCAR suggests.

A coalition comprising trade associations, such as GEA, IAAF, NTDA and UKLA, recently invited independent garages to register any restrictions they face on gaining access to this data, or other restrictions in their ability to complete a vehicle repair via a new on-line form.

The findings, which are ongoing, shows independent operators reporting some concerning issues, across a number of vehicle makes and models, including: Mazda, Hyundai, BMW, Audi, Range Rover, Porsche, Citroen, Bentley, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, Peugeot and Vauxhall.  

Mark Field, UK AFCAR chairman and chief executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), said: “The findings have confirmed what we already knew; independent garages are being locked out of repair and maintenance activities by some vehicle manufacturers.

“It’s imperative that the independent aftermarket works on a level playing field – as detailed in legislation – and can provide drivers with an effective choice of where they take their vehicle to be repaired or serviced, and it’s clear that as it stands, this is not the case in a number of instances.”

Locked out of repair and maintenance information

Responding the UK AFCAR’s call for real-world examples, one garage said: “[We had problems with the] Mercedes A Class radar, [as there were] no fault codes but distance warning and emergency braking [were] not working. [It was] diagnosed as [the] radar control unit.

“[We were] unable to replace [the part], as [it] requires Mercedes OEM and C5 SCN login.

Another garage could not access a Hyundai vehicle’s online service record, meaning they could not record servicing or repair work, while another had difficulty in finding any information to update a Citroen vehicle’s digital service records, with the problem remaining unresolved.

“The same problem was reported for a Mazda CX-5.

More specifically, one technician came across a stumbling block when replacing a diesel particulate filter (DPF) additive tank to a Peugeot Partner, as they were unable to programme the part to the vehicle and had to take it to the dealers for secure configuration.

Mark added: “We encourage technicians to continue to come forward so we can continue to collate solid evidence and lobby the Government to ensure this ongoing issue is resolved and the aftermarket remains protected.” 

UK AFCAR fights to ensure the rights of the independent aftermarket that are enshrined in MV-BER and vehicle type approval legislation, both of which are upheld in the post-Brexit era.

It looks to allow all multi-brand operators to be able to access technical information, supply spare parts of matching quality to original equipment (OE) parts, and perform service, maintenance and repair (SMR), providing vehicle owners with a choice of the supply of SMR services, as part of an open, competitive, and transparent marketplace.

3 Comments

  1. Totally wrong manufactures stopping cars been worked on after purchase.

    If you the manufacturers doing this brought a bicycle from Halfrauds and found needed special key to remove wheels that was halfrauds only at a cost of £350. They would soon be on the case.

    You buy anything else, yours to do what you want want with

    Reply
  2. On a different note one of my customers bought a new Kia and was told it had to be serviced by the dealer to keep the warranty up, I soon put him right on that fact of which he was rather happy about.

    Reply
  3. should be given more access to datas

    Reply

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