The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has again expressed concern about its members’ ability to access manufacturer technical information.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation’s independent garage arm points to a new study by its European counterpart, BOVAG, showing that only six of 13 manufacturer websites examined allowed researchers to establish a connection between the vehicle and the manufacturer’s website.
Since 2010 it has been a legal requirement that vehicle manufacturers release technical information, as well as providing technical service bulletins, recall information, online diagnosis and software updates.
IGA director Stuart James commented: “The report proves that vehicle manufacturers are still restricting independent garages’ access to technical information.
“We believe this is a clear breach of the legal requirements that the European Commission has set for them.”
As a result of the research, the IGA says ‘a study into this issue will be carried out by a consultant appointed by the Commission’.
P. R. - 18/12/2013 08:19
As a Volvo independent we subscribe, at great cost, to the manufacturer's technical program which does allow access to software updates. The 'fly in the ointment' is that, whilst a main agent offers and promotes free software updates with a service, we have to charge £45 PER update (at cost). Surely 'anti-competition'?