AAAA Confident in MVIS Integrity as ACCC Fines Honda
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has been reassured that the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) is functioning as intended, following the ACCC’s decision to penalise Honda Australia for an alleged breach of the scheme.
The MVIS, the first data-sharing law of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, was championed by the AAAA, the peak body for the automotive aftermarket industry. The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme introduced in 2022 was a groundbreaking law with far-reaching implications for Aussie car owners.
The law made it illegal for car companies to withhold information from qualified independent mechanics. Motor vehicle manufacturers selling vehicles into the Australian market are required to provide information for conducting diagnostics, servicing or repair activities to repairers at a price that does not exceed the fair market value. Subscriptions for repair and service information from the car makers must also be offered on daily or monthly basis. Failing to comply with the main obligations of the scheme can result in penalties.
“This game-changing law has been critical for Australian consumers and independent service and repair workshops, but to maintain its integrity, it must be continually monitored and upheld, with compliance ensured for any breaches,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA.
The ACCC’s enforcement action underscores that the law is being closely monitored, and a proper compliance process is in place.
“This ACCC decision should remind manufacturers that they must comply with the legislation. While most car makers are doing the right thing, a few outliers, in our view, are not fully operating within the spirit of the law,” said Charity.
Charity also acknowledged the vital role of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) and the ACCC’s Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) Unit in ensuring competition and consumer choice within the Australian automotive repair industry. The ACCC MVIS Unit oversees the mandatory sharing of service and repair information between car manufacturers and independent repairers, and AASRA is the body responsible for the law’s day to day implementation.
“AASRA has worked tirelessly to administer and improve the operationalisation of the law for technicians, and resolve issues, and I also want to acknowledge the dedicated professional technicians across the country for reporting alleged MVIS breaches for investigation.”
Honda Australia paid a penalty of $18,780 after the ACCC issued an infringement notice for allegedly breaching the MVIS information-sharing requirements. The ACCC claims that between 1 July 2022 and 6 May 2024, Honda Australia only offered its software by yearly subscription, failing to provide independent repairers the option to purchase more affordable daily or monthly subscriptions.
“This law is vital to our industry. It is making a real difference to consumers and workshops across the country, and the ACCC’s compliance actions ensures its continued relevance and success. As the peak automotive industry body, we care deeply about this Law, and we will always advocate for strong competition laws that support a level playing field and give consumers the choice,” said Charity.