[Hornet]

I know some will say I am rather foolish having the local Hyundai Dealer doing services on my i30 CRDI but I considered the  extra cost would guarantee prompt attention to warranty claims during the 5 year period. This has proven to be correct as the small number of claims, some major, have been fixed without fuss or concern, that's  what I wanted. I am happy

I have just had the 60,000k service for $580 (original quote $760) and by the time the next major service, 90,000k,  my i30 will be out of warranty therefore no need to pay the high dealer price that I am informed will be about $1,100. From this point on I will return to a trusted non dealer mechanic and enjoy reduced costs for labor and filter parts (from ebay or Repco) but alas, I was told  all major car manufacturers in Oz (except Toyota) have now collectively agreed NOT TO SUPPLY special service tools, computer software and access to data on manufacturer websites for known faults, recalls,  problem solving or engine management and tuning settings.

If this is correct and a private mechanic is limited in a manner that favors dealer workshops, I may reluctantly consider moving to the Toyota brand.

This action by Australian car manufacturers (other than Toyota) is, I am told,  a recent decision that has prompted representatives of independent repairers and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association  to ask the ACCC to investigate the policy.

Do any Members have knowledge of this new practice and will it effect my quality of service on the i30 ??????

[Surferdude]

Still a bit confusing but hopefully the RACQ/NRMA etc will have some input.

This from the Qld Times.

 A FEDERAL Government Minister has stepped in to try to resolve a heated dispute between groups representing all sides of the car industry.

The dispute started last week when the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries released a new code of practice, detailing how independent mechanics will be allowed to access information about cars they repair.

But other car industry groups said it limited independent mechanics' access to information.

Federal Small Business Minister Bruce Billson said there was a dysfunction amongst parties and he would hold a meeting for all groups to discuss their concerns.

"A key focus of mine is ensuring consumers are provided with the right information to make informed decisions, and businesses are operating from a level playing field," he said.

Australian Automotive Association chief executive Andrew McKellar had said the code was a way for car brands to protect their own interests by limiting access to a range of service and repair information. Local mechanics echoed the concerns.

But the Australian Automotive Dealer Association, representing car dealers, has since questioned what actual repair and service information was withheld from repairers.

"No service or repair information is withheld at all," AADA chief Patrick Tessier said.

He said things like vehicle security information, part of the vehicle's computerised control system, would never be made available and had no impact on mechanics servicing cars.

And this from News.com.


Motorists to pay more for car servicing under new regulations

    4 days ago October 20, 2014 7:39AM
 

LOCAL mechanics could soon become extinct and motorists may be forced to pay more for vehicle servicing after the car industry blocked independent repairers from getting access to complete maintenance data and specialist tools to fix modern cars.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries — the body that represents car companies — has walked away from negotiations with independent repairers and issued its own voluntary code of conduct on car servicing.

But the Australian Automobile Association, which represents seven million motorists nationally, says the code threatens to strip away the basic rights of consumers and local mechanics because it blocks access to critical information, computer upgrades and diagnostics equipment.

RELATED: Capped price servicing for 1.1 million cars

MORE: Seven-year warranty sets new australian record

MORE: Probe into insurance companies and smash repairers

About 20,000 independent workshops across Australia and approximately 1500 new-car dealer service centres maintain 17 million vehicles nationally.

Independent operators argue that as cars become complex “computers on wheels”, smaller workshops need complete access to maintenance information and better diagnostics tools, rather than the bare essentials covered by the code.
Under the pump ... independent workshops want the same access to information as car deale

In Europe and North America it is compulsory for car companies to make available to independent workshops the same complete maintenance data and diagnostics equipment provided to new-car dealership service centres.

In most cases, independent mechanics in Europe and North America pay a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly subscription fee to access the most up to date information and diagnostics tools to work on certain cars.

But in Australia the car industry has been accused of locking motorists into dealership servicing programs.

“This shows complete arrogance and contempt on behalf of the car makers,” said Andrew McKellar, the chief executive of the Australian Automobile Association, the peak body representing the NRMA, RACQ, RACV, RAA, RAC and other motoring groups in each state and territory.

“(The FCAI) is demonstrating little concern for the consumer and they are gunning for independent repairers and service providers. That’s a bad thing for consumers as it reduces choice and reduces competition.”
Money spinner ... dealerships source most profits from service and parts.

Figures from market analysts Deloitte show, on average, service and parts account for more than 50 per cent of a dealership’s profit; new-car sales contribute just 5 per cent to the bottom line.

“The new code has so many loopholes and so many exclusions as to make it utterly worthless,” said Mr McKellar.

“It is a complete con. They’re putting forward the appearance they’re doing the right thing but if you dig into the detail it heavily restricts what is available (to independent repairers).”

Stuart Charity the executive director of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, which represents independent mechanics, repairers and parts suppliers, said: “This is not a dealer-bashing exercise, dealers are the meat in the sandwich in this”.

“New-car dealerships are forced by car companies to have expensive showrooms and they need to recoup those costs by charging more for servicing,” said Mr Charity. “That means car owners end up paying more for routine maintenance.”

The AAA is concerned that restricting access to up-to-date servicing data could also have a negative impact on car safety.

“If people don’t get their cars properly maintained because they are concerned about costs, then absolutely there is a risk this could affect vehicle safety,” said Mr McKellar.
Up in the air ... new regulations for car servicing have been criticised by independent r

The chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Tony Weber said a 2012 Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAAC) review found there “does not appear to be any evidence of systemic consumer detriment regarding the sharing of service and repair information in the automotive industry”.

The advisory council recommended the automotive industry develop “within a reasonable period of time” a code of practice that “ensures there is a process for independent repairers to access repair information”.

“Now, 23 months later, we are the only ones that appear to be making progress on this matter,” said Mr Webber.

“If there is such a crisis according to others, why have they not issued their recommendations? Where is their commitment to the consumer? It’s one thing for them to jump up and down but what are they doing?”

The Australian Automotive Dealers Association claims independent repairers already get access to relevant information.

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has offered to make their extensive repair information library available to independent repairers nationwide for a fee. The VACC claims it answers 98 per cent of technical enquiries in the first phone call.

But independent repairers claim the new code does not give them access to enough information because it lists 16 exemptions, including access to the latest diagnostics tools, and important vehicle updates that do not qualify as a recall but are fixed discreetly during routine servicing.

“Independent repairers in Europe and North America get access to this information and the right diagnostics tools, so why are the car companies blocking these in Australia? It’s blatant anti-competitive behaviour,” said Mr Charity.

“These days cars are computers on wheels, if you don’t get access to the complete technical information, then a car owner is not going to get the same level of service,” he said.

The Federal Minister for small business, Bruce Billson, said it was important that independent repairers had a “level playing field” when competing with car dealership service centres.

“While respecting that the FCAI may seek to introduce a voluntary code for its members, I would be concerned if agreement on the broader industry code was not reached,” said Mr Billson.

“I have been contacted by (independent repairers) concerned that the FCAI does not address key aspects raised in the CCAAC report. Codes should be developed to ensure choice for consumers as to who repairs their vehicle.”

This reporter is onTwitter: @JoshuaDowling

[FatBoy]

Thanks for posting, Trev.  I'll keep an eye on that both online and in print media.   

[Hornet]

Surferdude, thanks a lot, the info you post is most informative.

This appears to be a push by dealer networks attempting to put the independent repairers out of business and extract huge profit from us. So before my next interim service I will have to find a mechanic in central Queensland who has access to Hyundai tools and diagnostic equipment. I will not pay Hyundai twice the cost (blackmail?) that I would have to pay an independent mechanic

The Federal Government cannot allow this restrictive practice to continue.

Perhaps I should start looking for an old Holden or Ford that has points, spark plugs and a carburetor. We could fix these ourselves with a screwdriver, shifting spanner and feeler gauge.

Wish I had kept my old 60 series Cruiser.

[Dazzler]

Wow! What a can of worms! :disappointed:

[The Gonz]

Yes, my first car, a red 202 motor HQ Kingswood wagon, was covered with a ratchet ring spanner with 1/2" at one end and 5/16" at the other. If it rained, I could stand inside the engine bay to keep dry!

[Hornet]

I have sent an email to RACQ seeking their assistance locating a mechanic in Bundaberg (other than the dealer) who has full access to Hyundai diagnostic data  and tools to undertake future servicing of my i30. I may be wrong but I believe unless a mechanic has  access to data and tools, my boss (wife) and I could be at risk driving on our roads.
I am also disappointed that Hyundai and other manufacturers are participating in this restrictive practice at our expense. The service costs are even now "over the moon" and once this practice is embedded you can bet the costs will escalate further.

I will post any reply I get from RACQ

[Surferdude]

I well remember many (?) years ago when the manufacturers first tried to suggest that servicing by other than their dealer network would void warranties.
THAT didn't work.

Then they suggested that other than OE branded parts used would void the warranty.

THAT didn't work either.

I suspect this is more of the same.

One thing is for sure.

They cannot withhold any information that might have an effect on safety.

[Shambles]

Thankfully, around Europe, there are anti-competition laws that prevent this aweful mindset.

For now.

[Phil №❶]

Simple problem to solve IMO. Legislation, Govt's can legislate to make things legal or illegal quite easily. Price fixing or collusion is already illegal, so in the same stroke of the pen, so can information withholding be declared illegal. How simple to have repairers log in to manufacturers sites to get updates for which they could be charged as required. But instead we have to have a long drawn out bun fight, with motoring associations getting involved etc. Look how much has already been written already and it's only just begun. Bah humbug.

[pidim]

Everyone talks about dealer pricing being twice as much as an independent mechanic, but I have struggled to find an independent mechanic (not for my i30 yet) that is significantly cheaper.

They all seem to only be slightly cheaper in my area, when asked to do a log book service and I have found that there is very little advantage unless they are asked to do a one-off repair or job, in which case they do come in less than the dealer.

[Phil №❶]

Because they know what a log book service costs ex dealer. They'e there to make money too, so it will only be marginally cheaper than a dealer. To be considered is the knowledge base of the independent, I'd be quite happy for cruiserfied #5 in Oz master Hy technician, to service my car with factory equipment and updates rather than some dude with doubtful qualifications.

[The Gonz]

Cruiserfied #5 in Oz master Hy technician needs to do a world i30 Owners Club servicing tour.

[Phil №❶]

 

[beerman]

118,000k and never been dealer serviced.  No issues here. Most servicing is the replacement of fluids and filters and the inspection of various parts. There are people on here that have used a cheap scan tool to see and reset faults.

All the computer stuff is designed to last. The only time I have had an issue was the light coming on for the brake light switch.

I knew what the issue was from research on here.

If I booked into a dealer for a service, I bet it won't be the best mechanic doing the routine stuff, they will be working on the big job, or the troublesome vehicle with the fault no one can work out.

[Asterix]

Thankfully, around Europe, there are anti-competition laws that prevent this aweful mindset.

For now.

Exactly. Something good comes out of the EU. 

Here all workshops, authorised dealers or independent, must have access to same info and tools at the same conditions (prices)

[Hornet]

Beerman I appreciate and respect your comment
" There are people on here that have used a cheap scan tool to see and reset faults"
My only concern with this is ------ If I purchase a new Hyundai i30 and wish to have the servicing and repairs (not warranty) carried out by an independent mechanic, I should be able to engage a local qualified independent mechanic, near where I live, and have the work completed using the correct equipment designed to ensure my new Hyundai is safe and performing in the manner the manufacturer represents the product ------------
I do not want cheap diagnostic devices used or the manufacturer keeping information about my i30 secret from local mechanics as this will not enable him to identify ALL FAULTS, all this forces me to travel hundreds of Kl to have a complete and safe service using equipment/software only available to manufacturer selected mechanics.
I hope the Australian Government  has the "alls to fix this monopoly restrictive practice.
 

[beerman]

I'm sure the ACCC will be all over it....

Though I think the vehicle manufacturers are over stating the usefulness of said devices. Most of the information is fault codes that point to where the issue is, the issue is then remedied with new parts....

[Hornet]

RACQ were kind enough to phone me and inform me the names of independent mechanics capable of servicing my i30. I have spoken to one mechanic who admitted the diagnostic software he uses is not as comprehensive as that used by Hyundai dealers and it was possible a fault that was identifiable by a Hyundai dealer may not be identified in his workshop. This confirms my concerns.

I hope Beerman is correct about the ACCC jumping on this restrictive practice that could be compared to Hyundai and others selling their cars with the engine bonnets welded so as to stop us busy bodies intefearing with their money making abilities.

I thank you all for the info provided