WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) marked the fifth anniversary of the successful voluntary agreement to provide the same service, repair and training information to independent repairers as is made available to franchised auto dealers. Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive, says, “ASA is proud of the progress made for independent repairers relative to service, training and tool information. The 2002 ASA-Automaker agreement has provided our industry with a model for information that will ensure repairers have the necessary information for the foreseeable future. This model is indicative of the industry’s ability to resolve many important issues in the marketplace without government intervention when the automotive industry works together.” Dave McCurdy, Alliance CEO, says, “Manufacturers recognize the importance of the independent repair industry and remain committed to ensuring that consumers have the option of having their vehicles serviced by the repairer of their choice.” Approximately 75 percent of all post-warranty repairs are performed by independent repair facilities. This voluntary agreement ensures the continuing viability of the automotive service industry and eliminates the need for current and future legislation. Mike Stanton, AIAM president and CEO, says, “We believe our customers should be able to seek vehicle repair services wherever reliable and first-rate service is offered. Automakers work very hard to make high-quality cars and trucks, and their reputations could be jeopardized if customers felt they could not go to the service and repair shop of their choosing.” To help resolve service- and repair-related issues, independent repairers are encouraged to work through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASFT), which serves as a forum to identify and resolve gaps involving motor vehicle repair information and tools. This national, voluntary solution has proven to be an effective resource for repairers and manufacturers alike, and over the course of the past six years has become a productive forum for dialogue between independent repairers, other industry stakeholders and automakers, as well as an effective mechanism to help identify and resolve the few information gaps that remain.
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