RMI bodyshops requests support for competitive repair and maintenance information provisions

RMI Bodyshops (NAB & VBRA), the UK’s trade association for vehicle body repair sector, has written to a select group of MEP´s requesting support in improving the legal framework for competitive repair and maintenance of automotive vehicles.

The association has a mission to ensure these changes provide for the continued supply of critical information needed to safely repair vehicles and protect consumer’s rights of choice.

Jason Moseley, Director of RMI Bodyshops comments, “We believe that the legal framework for competitive Repair and Maintenance Information needs improving. We have written to MEPs and also asked our members to get involved and write to their committee MEPs, so there is a very strong and aligned message sent from the body repair sector.”

In order to ensure that vehicles conform to the EU safety standards, all repairs must be based on accurate technical information. Provisions were made in 2007 for access to vehicle data, however, these provisions require significant urgent updates.

Some crucial issues that need to be addressed are:

Ensuring that the on-board diagnostic (OBD) life port to the vehicle is open and accessible

Ensuring that independent multi-brand diagnostic and testing tools are able to accurately communicate with the vehicle using standardised communication protocols

Improving the format of the information given to independent operators which should be in ‘electronically processable format’

Improving the overall Repair and Maintenance Information enforcement structure

The Dalton Report will be put to the vote on the 9 February 2017. RMI Bodyshops has urged the IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee) to take into consideration this request to ensure that Repair and Maintenance Information is available and accessible to all repair businesses in the UK and in the rest of Europe.