IAAF to reframe Right to Repair Campaign: ‘based on positivity, not fear’

Mark Field, chief executive of IAAF (Photo: IAAF)

The Right to Repair Campaign, which lobbies against vehicle manufacturers’ closed information and data provision systems in favour of an independent aftermarket, will relaunch with a new framing based on motorists’ ability to choose aftermarket vehicle servicing providers. UK AFCAR, a coalition of likeminded trade associations and organisations that has lobbied successfully to secure important gains in the reviewed Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MV-BEO). MV-BEO enabled full access and recognition for independent garages, parts distributors, suppliers and manufacturers to full repair and maintenance information and data from vehicle manufacturers. The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), as part of UK AFCAR, says it is time to take on a longer-term approach to raising awareness of the trade and the benefits choice in the automotive aftermarket provides.

The IAAF says the campaign has ensured effective competition and choice for millions of UK motorists, and now wants to focus on the significant improvements motorists can benefit from, which are detailed in law, and the clearer definitions to support the way vehicles are diagnosed, repaired and maintained.

Mark Field, chief executive of IAAF, shares five reasons why the campaign will be built on positivity, not fear:

“1.     Why shouldn’t we be positive? There’s too much negativity anyway. The automotive aftermarket is a leading provider of choice and takes care of 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.  The right to repair campaign will celebrate this – it’s time to come out of the shadows.

“2.     Choice – and competition – benefits everyone. Freedom of choice is essential to a vibrant sector. If new entrants want to join our sector, and if vehicle manufacturers want to invest and grow their aftermarket business, it will inspire us and prove that this is a sector worth innovating and evolving. To do this, we need to celebrate the roles of not just businesses but individuals. We want new people and new ideas in our trade.

“3.     Fear is short term. Selling and marketing on fear is short term, and is one built around a quick return. We can learn from each other and can do well and good at the same time. Marketing on ‘fear’ is not a good look for a sector brimming with possibility.

“4.     The future will look very different. The automotive aftermarket has been consolidating and evolving for some time. IAAF exists to bring competitors and people together and in an evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Autonomous Driving, we need to work in partnership not in isolation. Our competitors today may be our partners tomorrow; we need to be open-minded in a world of change.

“5.     We have a responsibility to uphold. The automotive aftermarket and vehicle manufacturers have a responsibility, not only to customers but those looking to forge a career in the automotive industry to be progressive and honest. Choice, fair competition and exceptional service are our key defining features.”

The IAAF adds that more details on the refocused Right to Repair Campaign and the ways in which aftermarket businesses can get involved will follow soon.