- Motor Codes’ three codes of practice pass CTSI audit designed to ensure highest standards for customers.
- Several areas assessed during stringent checks, including member compliance and handling of complaints by motorists.
- Motor Codes praised for strengthening consumer protection as a result of bringing ADR in-house.
Motor Codes, the government-backed consumer watchdog for the automotive industry, is pleased to announce that all three of its codes of practice for service and repair, vehicle warranty products and new cars have met the stringent requirements of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)’s Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS).
The CCAS was launched in 2001 by the former Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to give the public increased confidence in trade associations and business organisations that operate codes of practice. The latest endorsement follows a comprehensive audit by the CTSI which looked at several systems and processes that Motor Codes has in place, to ensure that motorists are receiving the highest standard of service. The assessment examined areas such as the compliance of members, the consumer complaints procedure including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), marketing and advertising by code members, and how the information of vehicle owners is being used to improve the codes and rates of customer satisfaction.
The results of the recent checks revealed that Motor Codes is fulfilling all of its obligations as a “code sponsor”, and that their member base meets CCAS’ core criteria. In the report, Motor Codes was recognised for the strengthening of consumer protection within the motoring sector, the result of bringing its government-approved and free ADR service in-house.
Bill Fennell, Managing Director of Motor Codes, said: “Ever since the New Car Code first gained OFT approval in 2004, we have been fully committed to making sure that every other code that we have introduced continues to adhere to the rigorous guidelines prescribed by the CCAS. With all three passing the audit with flying colours, this is an encouraging endorsement by the CTSI, that as a self-regulatory body, we are doing everything possible to guarantee that today’s motorists are being treated honestly and fairly.”
Leon Livermore, Chief Executive of the CTSI, explained: “Frequent checks are an effective mechanism to assess whether code sponsors and members are continuing to abide by the rules and follow approved practices. This regular assessment is critical, because when consumers see the CTSI Approved Code logo, it means that members of Motor Codes can be trusted and are reputable. Therefore without this important monitoring, we are at risk of compromising the protection of customers and industry standards.”
Motor Codes media contact:
Simon Wittenberg
PR Manager
Motor Codes Limited
Telephone: +44(0)20 7344 1638
E-mail: swittenberg@motorcodes.co.uk
Twitter: @MotorCodes
About Motor Codes
Motor Codes is the UK’s only comprehensive Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved vehicle supply, maintenance and warranty network. Motor Codes takes a responsible approach to industry self-regulation and is the only organisation that works across all motor industry sectors: vehicle motor supply, service, warranty and aftercare, offering a suite of CTSI-approved codes of practice and providing a CTSI Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution service.
Through the Motor Codes website at www.motorcodes.co.uk/garagefinder/ you’ll find a one-stop-shop garage search service that directs you to a CTSI-approved business. Motorists can review all CTSI-approved service centre options in their area, taking into account existing customer comments, opinions and advocacy, before making an informed choice of where they wish to service and repair their vehicle.
For more information on Motor Codes, visit http://www.motorcodes.co.uk/garagefinder/ .
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