As announced in the news section on the SMMT website Motor Codes Ltd is now THE industry's self-regulatory body.
Is there any credible alternative to Motor Codes?
What about the entry requirements? Shouldn't a proper regulatory scheme have an assessment made examining the garages 'fit for purpose' (investment in training, equipment, technician assessment, business manager assessment, insurance, quality control etc.)
Is there any real issue with Motor Codes Ltd being wholly owned by the SMMT who are the independents biggest competitors (the franchised sector) industry's body?
Do you think/are you worried that in time the code may lead to a competitive advantage for the SMMT members against the independent garage?
Does anyone in independent garage land really care?
Do your customers really care?
I am interested to know your views.
It is interesting to see that Motor Codes is beginning to have a dig at 'other' schemes, stating that "customers should look for the logo when booking their car in and ask if the garage subscribes to the right code'.
I guess the right code depends on your persepctive and requirements, both as a garage and as a customer. Perhaps the right code has a tick, but is it green or is it blue? Very confusing.
James.
Excerpt from SMMT website:
Thousands of car owners across Britain believe they have been ripped off when getting their car serviced or MOT’d in the last five years, according to new research released today. The study commissioned by Motor Codes Ltd, the motor industry’s self-regulatory body, reveals that:
Over a third of motorists have been dissatisfied with their garage experience
One in five car owners have been charged more than the garage’s quote
12% of motorists think they’ve been overcharged by a garage
70% of people don’t know who to speak to if an issue arises with a garage
94% of car owners want a recognised garage code with minimum standards
According to Consumer Focus, this overpricing and inconsistent repair work is believed to cost Britain’s motorists £4 billion a year. Despite this, if motorists had a problem with a garage or repair centre, over two-thirds of them admit they would not know where to go in order to get the issue resolved.
Now motorists have a freephone advice line and a central point of contact for all their motoring issues at www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk. Whether you’re buying a new car or warranty product or getting your existing car serviced or repaired, Motor Codes Ltd has developed a code of practice to protect the motorist.
“Although the survey findings are surprising, they do show that motorists are still unsure of where to go to for advice. Motor Codes aims to fix this and with a single website and freephone number now available, motorists can be confident that they’re getting the right advice from industry experts,” said Motor Codes director, Chris Mason. “Motor Codes is working to build and maintain standards in the motor industry so motorists should look for the logo when booking their car in and ask if the garage subscribes to the right code. It’s the safest way to guarantee good work at an honest price.”
