NEWS
DO YOU HAVE JEEP CUSTOMERS?
Updated guidance for Stellantis Manufacturer Warranty Claims has been released In response to a substantial number of complaints, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has stepped in to provide new guidelines for handling warranty claims on Stellantis Australia Jeep vehicles.
ACCC’s concerns that its staff may not have properly understood the company’s consumer law obligations when dealing with customer complaints, due to deficiencies in its internal policies.
Stellantis Australia, the importer and distributor of Jeep vehicles in Australia, has undertaken to address ACCC concerns about the way it has handled complaints by consumers who have experienced problems with their Jeep vehicles, in a court-enforceable undertaking accepted by the ACCC.
“Consumers have rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which are independent of manufacturers’ warranties,” ACCC Deputy Chair, Mick Keogh, said.
The ACCC investigated Stellantis Australia’s response to consumer guarantee complaints after receiving many complaints from consumers about Jeep vehicles and their difficulties in obtaining remedies under the consumer guarantees which are in the Australian Consumer Law. The reasons for the complaints included lengthy delays in obtaining a remedy, vehicles requiring multiple repairs for the same issues, and delays in parts being provided. Stellantis Australia has acknowledged the
“Businesses should have appropriate systems in place to ensure they do not mislead consumers about these rights and must comply with their obligations if customers experience problems with a product or service they have purchased.” Under the court-enforceable undertaking, Stellantis Australia will review its procedures for handling customer complaints and make any necessary changes to ensure that consumers who experience a ‘major failure’ with their vehicle are given the refund or replacement they are entitled to. Stellantis Australia will also ensure that all customers who buy a new Jeep vehicle are advised in writing of their consumer guarantee rights.
In addition, the undertaking ensures that consumers who seek to rely on their consumer guarantee rights and request a refund or replacement vehicle, receive a written response and, if applicable, are informed of the reasons why Stellantis Australia has not agreed to the requested remedy. Stellantis Australia has also undertaken to improve its inclusion of Australian Consumer Law rights in its internal systems and staff training, so customers are not wrongly denied remedies that they are entitled to. Stellantis Australia is required to report on these changes to the ACCC. For more information, visit www.accc.gov.au
MEGABUS SOFTWARE INTRODUCES GROUNDBREAKING FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION TOOL In the dynamic world of automotive aftercare, staying ahead of the curve is not just an option; it is a necessity Megabus Software, a continual investor in the industry, understands this imperative, stating that as a leading provider of tyre retailers, wholesalers, and auto mechanical workshop software, it has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology to empower Australian businesses. Megabus has now introduced what it describes as another groundbreaking development: a revolutionary Electronic Supplier Statement delivery system, which it says sets a new industry standard through the expansive Mega-Link automotive electronic supply chain network. Megabus Software is hosting an exclusive webinar in December to assist the industry in further understanding and leveraging this new feature.
and purchase orders within the industry, Megabus Software is proud to pioneer the delivery of Electronic Supplier Statements,” Megabus Chief Executive Officer, Justin Chalk, said. “This advancement transcends a mere enhancement of our current offerings. It is a transformative stride in the automation and refinement of financial procedures in the automotive back office, tailored to elevate the efficiency of our clientele’s operations and provide clear advantages to wholesalers on the network.”
The event will showcase the Supplier Statement Reconciliation module’s functionalities and options for suppliers to integrate, while Megabus will provide insights into how it can transform your business operations and give you more time to focus on growing your business.
The module is designed to send and ingest electronic supplier statements and automatically reconcile accounts. Megabus explains it meticulously conducts comprehensive reviews of reconciliation progress with suppliers; accurately highlights matching transactions and pinpoint discrepancies; idenntifies transactions necessitating further action; and streamlines the preparation of payments for banking submission.
“Expanding on our robust Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) network, known for its flawless integration and transfer of invoices, credit notes,
“This automation brings unprecedented efficiency to financial reconciliation processes and significantly reduces the likelihood of human
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error, ensuring more accurate and reliable financial management,” Justin said. “We are rolling out this feature initially with our leading tyre wholesalers, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing the operational efficiencies of key players in the industry. “Following this, we aim to collaborate with major industry part and wholesale suppliers, expanding the reach and impact of this innovative solution.” For more information, visit www.megabus.com.au
