"A robust and rigorously applied system of technician accreditation in the retail motor industry is achievable and it would bring major benefits to all stakeholders, consumers included," said Sarah Sillars, chief executive, Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) yesterday, in response to the findings of a Consumers' Association survey.

The survey of 1,000 car owners (published in the March issue of Which?) highlights 'overwhelming public support' for an accreditation scheme for vehicle technicians. The IMI is currently developing a voluntary model for technician accreditation with the support of companies including BMW, Harley-Davidson UK, Kwik-Fit and Toyota.

Geoff Davies, general manager of the Toyota Academy, joined in support of the IMI's campaign, saying in an IMI news release: "Toyota is committed to remaining at the forefront of technical skills development. It is our view that the value of proving competence through skills testing cannot be overstated. This approach is central to the concept of a technician accreditation programme and for that reason, Toyota is actively involved in bringing it to fruition."

Garry Brumfitt, managing director of Harley Davidson UK commented: "Harley Davidson sees technician accreditation as a way to establish common levels of technical competence amongst all motorcycle technicians and to clearly identify technicians who have up-to-date skills. We are taking the lead in implementing such a scheme, in partnership with the IMI, because we believe it is right for our customers, for our technicians and for our business."