It’s been three years since the ground-breaking legislation that sought to give repairers better access to up-to-date OEM repair information. Here’s what it’s all about and why it matters.
AASRA’s Joe McFadries takes a closer look at the defining and groundbreaking Right to Repair legislation.
As I move around the industry, whether delivering formal presentations, participating in panel discussions, or catching up with repairers one-on-one, I am continually surprised by the number of independent repairers who are still unclear about the Right to Repair legislation. This is especially surprising given that the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing (MVIS) scheme has now completed its third year under the stewardship of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA).
Why am I so surprised? Ironically, in August 2022, the National Collision Repairer and several other publications across both the collision and mechanical sectors published a press release from the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) which stated:
“Independent workshops across Australia started a new chapter this month 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.”
The release also noted that joining AASRA provides workshops with a single location to easily and quickly access all participating manufacturer portals, covering around 90 per cent of the vehicles sold in Australia.
So, despite the extensive coverage in 2022, it seems appropriate to provide a refresher.
What’s it all about?
This ground-breaking legislation is wide-ranging, but at its core it ensures that all repairers can access the OEM information required to complete a mechanical service or repair, or a collision repair, on any post-2002 passenger or light commercial vehicle. This includes software updates such as those needed to connect a new part to the vehicle, full diagnostic scans, and access to security codes for vehicles’ computerised systems.
AASRA was appointed Scheme Adviser to oversee the day-to-day operation of the scheme. Three years on, service and repair procedures for 87 per cent of vehicles on Australian roads remain accessible through the AASRA website. While workshops must still pay for manufacturers’ information, the legislation guarantees that this information is available at a fair market rate, something AASRA actively monitors.
This may sound straightforward, but as with many things, the devil is in the detail. Each manufacturer has its own systems and processes for accessing information. For the many “all makes, all models” repair businesses across the country, this can initially feel daunting. However, once you become familiar with the brands you deal with most often, the process quickly becomes second nature. It is also worth remembering that while many new brands have entered Australia in recent years, the ten most common brands still account for 78 per cent of all vehicles on the road.
Why the Right to Repair legislation is important
The importance of the Right to Repair legislation lies in the fact that it allows independent repairers to compete with dealer networks on a level playing field. According to the AAAA, before the MVIS was introduced, workshops were turning away an average of 20 vehicles per month due to a lack of access to information. Since the introduction of the scheme, this figure has dropped to 12 – a reduction of 40 per cent.
Workshops have also reported significant improvements in their customer relationships. 68 per cent said that increased access to detailed vehicle information has improved customer satisfaction, while 66 per cent reported that it has enhanced customer convenience.
Similarly, the Motor Trades Association of Australia recently highlighted that the MVIS represents a major step forward in supporting independent repairers’ access to essential service and repair information. Since its introduction, many workshops have reported easier access to service schedules and diagnostics, more consistent availability of digital records and programming functions, and the convenience of a single entry point across multiple manufacturers. These developments were strongly advocated for by the MTAA and its members in securing a nationally consistent right to access vehicle data.
What does this mean for you?
Quite simply, all the information available through the AASRA portal comes directly from the manufacturers’ own databases and is therefore live, genuine, and complete every time. This ensures that you can return a vehicle to its owner with the confidence that the repair has been carried out in line with the manufacturer’s authorised procedures.
The alternative can be costly and dangerous. In 2017, US collision repairer John Eagle Collision, under instruction from an insurer, bonded a new roof panel rather than welding it as required by the manufacturer. The vehicle was involved in a subsequent collision, which left the occupants trapped, suffering severe injuries. The resulting lawsuit led to a US$42 million payout. Beyond the obvious moral obligation to follow the correct procedures, no repairer wants to be in that position.
The Right to Repair legislation ensures you have access to live, genuine, and complete repair procedures. The onus, however, is on you to use them. This is why this ground-breaking legislation matters so much.
For more information, contact AASRA on 1300 222 772, or visit www.aasra.com.au