Friday, 12 March 2010
In one of his first announcements since being named as chairman of the IAAF (Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation) garage division, Jonas Zambakides, has urged the Department for Transport (DfT) to make Motor Codes subscription one of VOSA's assessment criteria for its MOT centres.
"DfT needs to understand that the independent service and repair sector is crying out for a reliable and cost effective means of self-regulation and Motor Codes offers just that," said Zambakides. "Reputation and trust are key business tools for MOT service centres and independent garages. If VOSA adds Motor Codes subscription to its assessment criteria, the whole industry will benefit from the improved reputation that Code subscription offers."
Over 6,200 garages in the UK subscribe for just £75 a year to the Service and Repair Code operated by Motor Codes that is supported by government, consumer bodies and industry. As the largest consumer code for motorists, it gives subscribers the ability to show their commitment to fair trading and directs motorists to subscribing garages through its www.motorcodes.co.uk website.
"We're grateful for the IAAF's support and will work with Mr Zambakides to demonstrate how every independent garage in the UK can benefit from subscription to the Service and Repair Code," said Chris Mason, Motor Codes director. "We're determined to improve the reputation of the industry for the benefit of every reputable service and repair centre in the UK; by subscribing to the Code every garage can play its part."
Despite VOSA setting standards for MOT procedures within its workshops, there is no sector specific regulation of other service and repair work carried out at MOT garages. Motor Codes is keen to introduce a minimum standard for the entire industry so that motorists have the confidence and reassurance on offer from the government backed Code.
Steve Air, owner of an independent MOT testing station, in Basford near Nottingham, said; "People can feel trepidation when taking their car for an MOT test, it can be seen as an unavoidable evil. Customers can take comfort from using a garage they find on the Motor Codes website as those garages have committed to fair, transparent service, are periodically assessed by RAC inspectors and there's a reliable, independent means of dispute resolution."
As part of its commitment to raising industry standards and driving motorists to subscribing garages, Motor Codes is currently in the process of identifying the UK's ‘Golden Garage' through a competition voted for by members of the public. Over 4,000 people voted and now the UK's top 50 garages are listed at www.goldengarages.co.uk, a national winner will be announced on 6 April.
For more information about Motor Codes, how to subscribe and the benefits it can bring to individual garages and the industry as a whole, visit www.motorcodes.co.uk or call 0800 692 0825. For more information about the IAAF, visit www.iaaf.co.uk.
