When the ‘right to repair’ legislation passed into law almost three years ago, the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority was appointed by Treasury to oversee the scheme aimed at improving access to repair information.
NCR talks to executive officer Joe McFadries about the journey so far and the challenges ahead.
Since taking over at AASRA in 2024, McFadries believes he has heard one exclamation more than any other from frustrated mechanics and collision repairers; “I just want to fix cars.”
This earnest plea to get the job done is made against a background of the mounting volume and complexity of repair information in modern vehicles.
“Every manufacturer’s system is different, which continues to frustrate many independents,” he says.
“The growing number of brands in the market simply adds to the complexity, exacerbating the issue. In addition to different systems, each manufacturers’ technology is different, further testing technicians’ patience and straining the skillsets to breaking point. But self-education will go a long way to alleviating the pain.”
“I’ve been in and around this industry a long time and I know how passionate repairers are about fixing cars and getting it right first time. Access to approved repair procedures is a critical component of this objective.”
Following an initial rush, interest in 2023 saw AASRA reach over three thousand members, this number has stabilised but the inflow of enquiries and interest in the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme has been ongoing.
“The majority of the calls for help have centred around assisting independent repairers to navigate the ever-growing number of the compliant manufacturer systems, which by the very nature of their own evolution, are all different. At times, independent repairers can become overwhelmed. That’s where AASRA comes to the fore.”
McFadries sympathises with the frustration and says AASRA can play a role in helping members help themselves.
“AASRA plays a key role in providing advice about the scheme, providing guidance on how to navigate the various manufacturer systems and of course recommendations on upskilling the technicians to help futureproof their businesses.
Practical help
“In conjunction with the manufacturers, AASRA has uploaded step-by-step ‘how to’ guides on the websites and following these will lead to a successful log in every time.”
McFadries stresses AASRA’s wider role is intrinsic to the effective compliance of the Scheme and works to the benefit of all the parties involved.
“AASRA’s role as scheme advisor is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the scheme, and as such is the first point of contact for general information about the scheme. We collect information about scheme offers, changes to scheme offers, and the terms and conditions of the supply of scheme information (including the price for supplying scheme information) from data providers.
“We provide general advice about the operation of the scheme and are required to report to the ACCC on systemic regulatory or enforcement issues relating to the scheme. However, my role is also to assist manufacturers to ensure they comply with the legislation, which in turn will benefit all stakeholders.”
Cooperation
One of AASRA’s significant achievements in the last three years is to win the cooperation of a large proportion of vehicle manufacturers, giving its members greater access to this growing field of information, with participating brands now representing 87 per cent of the Australian car parc.
“We work closely with all our participating brands and the feedback I get is that ‘it’s a no brainer’ to be part of AASRA,” he says.
“I also work with the pre-existing nonparticipating brands and the plethora of new brands coming into the market, and I’m happy to announce that both Deepal and Geely have recently joined us, recognising the value we add to automotive brands in the Australian market.”
Changing times
McFadries says while they have worked hard at AASRA to make the offering more comprehensive; to make the most of it, repairers need a willingness to adapt and learn and for some repairers this can begin with developing some basic computer literacy.
“The automotive industry has an older demographic, although it is going through a generational transition,” he says.
“However, as long as the baby boomers want to stay in the game, they have some work to do. There is no doubt that the rate of technological change has outstripped many technicians, which we see in the frustration of our members, so the best advice I can give them is to improve their computer skills. Vehicles will continue to become more complex, so for these technicians investing some time and energy in personal development is crucial – it really will make life so much easier.”
McFadries explains the whole purpose of AASRA is to help repairers access this information in accordance with the scheme but there are limitations to what they can do.
“However, it is by definition an information sharing scheme, so we have no involvement in the availability of genuine parts or accessing the manufacturers’ digital logbooks, which I recognise can be frustrating for independent repairers.
A continuing journey
While the journey for AASRA began with establishing compliance with the scheme, its longer-term purpose is also to build the entity as a going concern that can continue to serve its members in a changing world.
“The business has continued to deliver value for our members and the industry’s data providers, in addition to consolidating a sustainable business model,” he says.
“Key initiatives have included stabilising our member base, attracting a growing number of electric vehicle and vehicle security professional members, and supporting vehicle manufacturers to prepare and deliver compliant Scheme Offers. More recently, we have appointed a highly qualified Independent Chair, who has further enhanced the board’s governance capabilities.”
These three years of change have also seen the rise and rise of alternative powertrains, including EVs, PHEVs and hybrids all of which require specific techniques and accreditation to correctly repair. The MVIS legislation requires manufacturers to separate safety information for EV and Hybrid and restrict it to suitably qualified technicians. The accreditation AASRA offers has become an advantage to the growing number of repairers who need or want to work on these vehicles to keep pace with the changing car parc.
“One of the key benefits of being a participating brand with AASRA is that we verify the safety qualifications that ensure that EV and hybrid information will only be released to EV-qualified technicians,” he says.
“However, when EV data is inextricably linked to general service and repair information, even technicians who wish to access general repair information, will need to be EV-qualified.”
The road ahead
Looking to the future McFadries also sees the accumulation and complexity of vehicle information as an ongoing challenge to repair workshops. He believes repairers will use a range of traditional sources like data aggregators and devices to access what they need, but they may find gaps in trying to keep pace with the rapid rate of change.
“Data aggregators have long been the source of manufacturer repair information, but this data is not connected live to the manufacturer and may not cover the entire car parc.
“Vehicles also rely on diagnostic tools and software to identify problems and to ensure the problems are resolved. But not all manufacturers’ tools and software are readily available or necessarily cost effective for an independent repairer.
“Aftermarket scan tools are available to access a broader range of brands using a J2534 pass through device, greatly improving accessibility,” he says. “However, there are brands that are not yet fully compatible with these aftermarket tools, particularly when it comes to vehicle security information.”
Safety as priority
Despite these difficulties, much of the repair industry is acutely aware of the pressure to stay up to date and the consequences of failing to do so.
“Outdated procedures can have catastrophic effect,” he says.
“There have been well-documented, high profile safety incidents in several markets because the repairer has not followed the manufacturers repair procedures.Personally, I do not understand why any business owner or technician would not ensure the repair is done properly. Firstly, they may well be liable for any subsequent incident if it is found the approved repair procedure was not followed, and secondly, they will have to live with their conscience. This may sound provocative but imagine if it’s your wife or husband or kids that are involved in an accident caused by a repair using a superseded, or a non-approved repair procedure.”
McFadries stresses this is why access to evolving information is critical and AASRA’s role is in assisting it to happen. But despite the challenges he remains optimistic about the fundamental drive of the industry to get things done correctly, while the growing cooperation with repairers and manufacturers means the scheme will open the doors to the much-needed information.
“With the right intent, I have no doubt we will get there.”