NEWS
US STATE VOTES OVERWHELMINGLY FOR RIGHT TO REPAIR Independent Automotive Repairers in Massachusetts could be the biggest winner of US 2020 elections Residents of the US state of Massachusetts have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a Right to Repair question on the ballot paper during the recent 2020 US elections. In a boost for the state’s independent automotive repairers, 75 percent of votes selected yes to “Question 1.” This means that once a person buys a vehicle, they own all of its data. According to www.techcrunch.com, “The measure, listed on the ballot as Question 1, amends and broadens a law that gives consumers in Massachusetts the right to repair the vehicles they own. “The measure will require automakers that sell vehicles with telematics systems in Massachusetts to equip them with a standardised open data platform beginning with model year 2022. “This standardised open data platform has to give vehicle owners and independent repair facilities direct access and the ability to retrieve mechanical data and run diagnostics through a mobile-based application. “Importantly, this measure covers the data that telematics systems collect and wirelessly transmit. And it not only gives access to the mechanical
data, it allows owners and independent mechanics to send commands to the vehicle for repair, maintenance and diagnostic testing.” Director of the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition, Tommy Hickey, was ecstatic with the vote result. “Thank you. We did it! Actually, you did it!” he commented to his supporters. “It was only because of you, our Massachusetts supporters and grassroots team, that we were able to have such a resounding victory. “Thank you for protecting consumer choice in car repair and for supporting your local independent shops…1,600 independent repair shops in Massachusetts, 40,000 employees, and millions of consumers thank you for your help and support.” But he warned that the fight does not stop here, with much more work yet to be done. “Our coalition will drive on to make sure the law is implemented immediately in Massachusetts and to expand consumer rights in car repair to the 49 other states,” Tommy said. AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates, said the Massachusetts vote is a shot in the arm for the automotive sector
and was a part of a shift around the globe towards fair play in the industry, protecting consumer rights and independent repairers against the might of the automotive manufacturers. She said the vote was important to the AAAA given the Australian industry’s recent victory with the announcement by the Morrison Government about its impending legislation for a mandatory code for vehicle data sharing (see separate articles in this magazine.) “This vote comes at an incredibly important moment in our journey,” Lesley said. “As we wait for the draft exposure, we are clearly hoping to see that our Law will incorporate the best elements of international law and right now, the best in class is now the Massachusetts Right to Repair 2020 outcome.” For more information, visit www.massrighttorepair.org
CAPRICORN PRESENTS ‘STATE OF THE NATION’ Capricorn’s David Fraser was amongst the esteemed speakers for the AAAA’s Industry Leaders Forum In his presentation, the Group Chief Executive Officer for the Capricorn Society, David Fraser, spoke about the findings of Capricorn’s inaugural State of the Nation research project and the subsequent 46-page report, which is now available to download free of charge for all at www.capricorn.coop/caphub State of the Nation is the most substantial piece of research Capricorn has conducted in its 40 plus year history, informed by responses from more than 1,500 Capricorn members across Australia and New Zealand. The report drills down on a number of core questions for the industry, including respondents’ motivations, fears, challenges and successes. After reviewing the common challenges and threats, the report goes on to provide recommendations and information around five key subject areas: Work-Life Balance, Succession Planning, Knowing Your Value, Passive Marketing and Attracting the Next Generation.
“We covered a lot of insights and information in the session, but if I had to give some key recommendations, they would be as follows,” David said. “Don’t be afraid to charge more. Lower margins are a concern but there are some easy wins for your bottom line. Charge for diagnostics, increase hourly labour rates and estimate your service times accurately. “Let’s work together on pay rates. Attracting the next generation of technicians, and keeping our best staff long-term, is going to require making the industry more lucrative for the people who work in it. “Cover yourself when it comes to customersupplied parts. If you’re willing to fit them, charge extra for labour. Ask the customer to agree that if the part is faulty, they’ll pay for your labour to remove and replace it. “Invest in scan tools and other tech. Don’t fall
behind your competitors or risk turning away business because you don’t have the tools you need. Buy scan tools and recoup the costs by charging customers for diagnostic tests. “And finally, consider changing or enhancing your marketing strategy. Don’t just rely on word of mouth and referrals to bring in new customers; do some targeted marketing. Asking customers for Google Reviews is particularly useful.” To read the report in full, visit www.www.capricorn.coop/caphub To listen to David’s presentation at the Industry Leaders Forum, visit the AAAA’s YouTube channel. Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2020
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