Recent figures reveal that most car owners ignore vehicle recalls - opening an opportunity for independents, according to TecAlliance.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) statistics obtained by Auto Express magazine show less than 48% of the 2.2 million vehicle recalls involving airbags, fire risks and steering failures since 2012, have actually been carried out.

Shaun Greasley from TecAlliance said: “These statistics show how difficult it is for the franchised dealer sector to cope with recalls, which opens the door to the independent sector.”

Traditionally it has been difficult for independents to step in and take advantage of the opportunity, but TecAlliance now offers RMI technical service data which provides easy access to this information on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis.

“During the course of a normal vehicle service or repair, the RMI system obviously provides the necessary information when it comes to what needs to be carried out and the process to accomplish it, as well as how long it should take and the replacement parts that are required.

“However, what really sets it apart is the service schedule and recall option, that allows users of the web-based subscription service, to check in a matter of seconds, the recall status of every vehicle that comes through the workshop,” said Greasley.