Exercise your rights as a car owner
Right to Repair urges car owners to look at the draft code and submit comments by 3 November.
The Competition Commission has gazetted a draft code of conduct for competition in the South African automotive industry and is calling for public comment by 3 November.
“It is crucial that the public has a look at the draft code and submits comments. This is our chance to see real change that will benefit consumers and their rights when it comes to servicing their vehicles,” said Les McMaster, Director of Right to Repair SA (R2RSA).
He believes the days when consumers sit back and accept the status quo are gone.
“We have been sold the misperception that independent workshops and aftermarket parts will reduce the safety of vehicles if they do repairs.
But in reality, if you look at Europe and the US, where the principles of Right to Repair (R2R) were introduced decades ago, the roadworthiness of vehicles is much higher.”
“We see vehicle owners in SA neglecting the maintenance of their vehicles because of financial constraints. R2R is going to reduce the cost of parts, helping owners maintain their vehicles. We also believe that access to technical information, training and tools for the informal sector will have a positive influence on safety. Our cars are getting older and the part prices, especially the systems controllers, are escalating beyond the value of the vehicle. The consequence of this is that our roads are littered with highly dangerous vehicles with partially working safety systems,” said McMaster.
Referring to maintenance and motor plans, McMaster said it appears that, according to the draft code, maintenance plans locking the consumer into a contract with the Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEMs) dealerships are still permitted, but must be offered independently of the vehicle.
“If those products are beneficial to the consumer, the consumer will still have the option to purchase them. What’s important is that the consumer also has the right to decline them. Already we are seeing brands offering vehicles, especially entry level vehicles, with the option to purchase a basic warranty, a service plan or a maintenance plan. Because these aren’t automatically included in the purchase of the vehicle, not taking them brings the price down,” he added.
He said further that the draft outlines the conditions which the R2R campaign has been working towards. “The code is particularly encouraging considering the R2R campaign’s initiators approached the OEMs requesting that they voluntarily and by mutual agreement participate in the drafting of a code which would benefit all parties. At the time, this approach was given the cold shoulder by the OEMs and partners so this draft will now require that the OEMs participate in the process. R2RSA is eagerly awaiting the reaction from the OEM fraternity,” he concluded.
Click here https://www.compcom.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Automotive-Government-Gazette.pdf to review the draft code.
All comments on the code can be emailed to mziwodumor@compcom.co.za by 3 November. For more information on submission, see page ii of the code.
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