ADF reforms to represent independent garages

The independent garage sector now has a new representative body after the ADF reformed to become the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation.

The move, which has been in the pipeline for over a year, was confirmed this afternoon by the organisation’s president, Tony Sackett and his predecessor Quintin Cornforth.

In his opening statement to the media, Sackett said that the ADF was responding to what it believes is a lack of lobbying available for independent garages.

The IAAF, which hopes to sign up 4500 independent garages within three years, is offering garages:

• Lobbying and representation with Governments in the UK and Europe
• A technical helpline and regular bulletins in partnership with Mototek
• Online technical support
• MOT support, including help with VOSA appeals through the MOT Club

The Federation has new branding, a new website and a new structure, made up of three sections dedicated to:

• Distributors
• Garages
• Lobbying

Each will be governed by its own Council and headed up by a dedicated Chair. A series of appointments is expected to be announced within the next two to three weeks.

Tony Sackett said: “The ADF has moved almost organically from its roots as the Motor Factor Association to be much more of an umbrella organisation, encompassing the industry’s major suppliers, buying groups and campaigning organisations.

“The new IAAF formally recognises these developments and will progress from there. Its structure is designed to allow for expertise to be channelled into the appropriate area to maximum effect and, with the setting up of the Garage service and repair division, brings the crucial missing element into one independent unified body.”

Quintin Cornforth added that the new Garage Section is “absolutely not” intended to replace any existing garage schemes or sector initiatives.

“We embrace any initiatives that are dedicated to raising garage standards and we will be active in campaigning on these issues, on improving skill levels and, of course, fully support the Right to Repair Campaign,” he said.

“We firmly believe that the inclusion of the service and repair sector into the IAAF will give us greater, more effective lobbying leverage as we will have the voice of the whole industry behind us – not just suppliers and distributors.”

The joining fee for independent garages is £20 per month, with a special offer in 2010 of £10 per month as the new organisation establishes itself.