AAAA launches the Automotive Repairers Council of Australia

AAAA launches the Automotive Repairers Council of Australia

 

In response to demand from the independent automotive repair and service
sector, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has
launched the Automotive Repairers Council of Australia (ARCA).

 

AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said the independent automotive
repair and service sector is under significant threat. "The challenges
facing this small business sector arise from the rapid pace of technological
change, skills and training gaps, and the anti-competitive behaviour of the
car companies" he said.

 

"The time is right for the formation of a truly national service and repair
representative group. The AAAA has responded by facilitating the ARCA
initiative. This new Council will operate across state borders to provide
structure and much needed formal links to the rest of the automotive parts
and accessories supply chain. 

 

"Independent repairers have realised that now more than ever it is critical
that this sector has a unified national voice to influence key stakeholders
and ensure that Government recognition and support for these businesses is
proportionate to their important contribution to the Australian community
and the economy," said Stuart Charity. 

 

This new group joins the existing AAAA industry Councils supporting the
Performance Racing and Tuning, Four Wheel Drive and the Automotive Products
Manufacturers and Exporters sectors. The experience of independent
automotive service and repair businesses over many years has been that most
government decision makers do not recognise the value that they contribute
to the Australian economy and to the safety and reliability of the vehicles
that our lifestyle demands.

 

"It is important to stress that the Automotive Repairers Council of
Australia is designed to complement rather than compete against the state
based industry bodies such as the Motor Trades Associations (MTAs) and 

Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC). 

 

"Those organisations provide valued services to retail motor trade
businesses and ARCA has no plans to mirror their service offerings. The ARCA
strategy is to fill identified gaps in the market - especially the need for
strong independent workshop advocacy. It is fully expected that ARCA members
will see value in having dual ARCA and MTA/VACC memberships," said Stuart
Charity.

 

Full media release and images are attached. Stuart Charity welcomes
interviews about this important step towards independent workshops gaining a
national voice to promote fair competition in the vehicle service and repair
sector. Give me a call.

 

Cheers,

Barry Oosthuizen

AAAA Communication Advisor

E: b.oosthuizen@bigpond.com

M: +61 (0)413 185 135