Franchised dealers are ready for authorised repairer status available under the new block exemption regulation, but independent repairers are still in the dark, according to a new survey by the RMI.

The survey revealed that 71.4% of independents do not believe that they have been given all the information to understand fully the implications of becoming authorised, as opposed to only 17.1% of franchised dealers. 64.1% of independents have yet to assess how much they are willing or able to invest in becoming authorised, and 46.1% have not yet made a decision as to whether or not they will seek authorisation.

The survey was conducted by RM EYE, the RMI's member magazine.

Ray Holloway, RMI director of the independent garage and fuel division said: “We are already beyond the deadline for Block Exemption implementation yet there is still no clear route to information for independent garages, or even any indication of how much they can expect to pay for the privilege of becoming approved.”

These results contrasts with those of the franchised dealers, of whom 75.6% have assessed their financial position and 78.1% believe they fully understand the implications off becoming authorised.

Alan Pulham, RMI franchised dealer director, commented: “Franchised dealers tend to be better informed than independent repairers of the standards manufacturers are looking for, and therefore will find it easier to come to a decision about what is right for them.”