The wide-reaching choices the aftermarket can offer drivers in need of vehicle repairs is the focus of a new campaign of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF).
The new Right to Repair Campaign looks to highlight that independent garages, parts distributors and parts suppliers now have the same levels of access to repair and maintenance information as dealerships.
This follows the passing of last year’s Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation, aligning the UK with the rest of Europe and the USA.
The law, pushed for more than a decade by aftermarket lobby group UK AFCAR (a coalition of trade associations and organisations), allows for fairer competition as repair cards are not solely held by OE (original equipment) manufacturers. This means owners have more choice allowing for more competitive pricing.
“Freedom of choice is essential to a vibrant sector,” said the IAAF.
“If new entrants want to join our sector, if vehicle manufacturers want to invest and grow their aftermarket business, it will inspire us and prove that ours is a sector worth innovating and evolving.”
The federation said that the campaign “raises awareness of the benefits of choice the automotive aftermarket provides”, adding: “The automotive aftermarket is a leading provider of choice and looks after millions of motorists every day. It is also a vibrant, entrepreneurial, significant economic contributor to the UK economy with both large and small businesses leading the way
Built on five pillars, the new campaign will “celebrate” the aftermarket and show that it’s “a vibrant, entrepreneurial, significant economic contributor to the UK economy with both large and small businesses leading the way”.
It concluded: “Our competitors today may be our partners tomorrow. We need to be open-minded in a world of change.”
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