FOR OUR CUSTOMERS,
because we care about you and your car,
We give you the freedom of choice.
RIGHT TO REPAIR
From 1 July 2021, car owners are now free from restrictive, embedded motor or service plans. Vehicle manufacturers won’t be allowed to void warranties if owners choose to go with an independent service or repair provider.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE CUSTOMER?
As per the new guidelines, car manufacturers (known as Original Equipment Manufacturers or OEMs) cannot obstruct you from seeking service, maintenance, or mechanical repair work for your new motor vehicle at an independent Service Provider (ISP) of your choice. What’s crucial to note here is that you as the consumer still have the right to seek these kinds of services from your approved dealership, but you now have the additional option of going to an ISP if you so wish.
There will be an unbundling of maintenance plans and service plans at the point of sale from the purchase price of the motor vehicle. This will allow consumers to exercise choice regarding whether or not they want to purchase the maintenance plan or service plan from their dealership or from an independent provider. This is common practice elsewhere in the world. In the instance where a car is written off, OEMs and independent providers must transfer the maintenance plan or service plan to a replacement vehicle. Dealerships or independent providers also have to disclose all information regarding the maintenance and repair of their vehicles, as well as the terms and conditions thereof.
Customers will be able to fit original (OEM) or original equipment equivalent (OOE)spare parts, whether by an approved dealer, motor-body repairer, or an ISP, during the in-warranty period. OEE, or Original Equipment Equivalent parts have the same specifications and safety features as OEM parts but are sold at lower prices. Interestingly, OEE and OEM parts are often made in the same factories and are only differentiated by their branded markings. The quality of these are covered under the consumer protection laws, as well as existing warranties.
Insurers will now offer consumers more choice of repairers within geographic areas for out-of-warranty repairs. Insurers are expected to approve any repairer that meets their standards and specifications to undertake repairs on out-of-warranty vehicles.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
It ensures fair competition in the automotive repair supply chain thus allowing us to source better pricing for our customers. Dealerships are having to reduce their parts and labour prices to be more competitive with the rest of the market
WHO ARE "RIGHT TO REPAIR"?
Right to Repair SA was founded by the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) representing 2500 independent workshops and automotive aftermarket distributors and parts manufacturers. It aims to ensure fair competition in the automotive repair supply chain.
The consumer must have freedom of choice out of the various offerings by a multitude of independent companies which offer him the combination of service and price that caters to his individual needs.
In this perspective, full access to technical information, the freedom to source and supply replacement parts as well as diagnostic tools and test equipment is most crucial for all market operators to exert their professions and to be able to offer their competitive products and services for the benefit of motoring consumers. Only this ensures drivers the right to decide where to have their vehicle serviced and repaired. Such rights require that vehicle manufacturers efficiently and affordably make available to independent operators all software, tools and repair information needed to service the vehicle.
This will not just benefit the consumer but also ensure long term broad based economic growth.
A second aspect of the campaign is to level the playing field between the manufacturers, parts suppliers and workshops, including the manufacturer approved workshops. Legislation needs to support this during the entire lifecyle of a vehicle, thereby assuring continuous cost effective mobility.
Right to Repair SA is a registered not for profit company. Membership is open to anybody active in the automotive aftermarket that supports our objective.