Both GM & Ford have been taken to task by the ACCC over fault issues with some Captiva's and Fiesta's. A visit to the ACCC website and viewing the New car retailing industry draft report will make interesting reading for those in the repair and service sector.

The recent release of the ACCC report is putting pressure on all the car manufacturers. The ACCC has commenced enforcement action against a number of car companies following the discovery of a range of other Australian Consumer Law contraventions that were uncovered as result of this investigation.

The Aftermarket Association has been fighting for years against the image portrayed that when you buy a NEW vehicle it has to be serviced by the dealership. This has resulted that in the log books and the sales people advised that this is not so. As long as your workshop is qualified and uses quality parts your warranty is not void. The car companies must honour any warranty issues under Australian Consumer Law regardless provided the service requirements have been maintained.

The right to service is still an ongoing issue as car companies in most cases do not release general service computer information to workshops. Obviously security and some information remains their domain but it is your car not theirs. Paying a fair and reasonable cost has been offered, but refused,as the refusal to supply this information remains here in Australia, despite it being available in the USA and Europe. The next round of discussion will take place next week.