I was interested to read in Motor Trader that the Motor Codes Scheme is close to second stage OFT full approval for their service and repair code.
But is this in all motorists best interests? I have my doubts unless they can magically recruit many more independent garages.
I had my doubts because before a radio interview for BBC Scotland yesterday I checked to see how many subscribers Motor Codes have in Glasgow and Edinburgh, for example. They have 97 in Glasgow of which only 5 are independent garages and in Edinburgh there are only 4 independents listed out of 38 subscribers. The balance are franchised car dealerships where motorists will pay considerably more for car servicing or repairs. This suggests that independent garages in Scotland are shunning Motor Codes for some reason because they’d probably do quite well as a cheaper choice? And with Scottish blood running in my veins I’d say that’s an important consideration ;-).
BUT in case any car manufacturer is reading this, Ford ideally, having insisted that their dealership network sign up to the Motor Codes scheme, could they PLEASE tell me what it is of Motor Codes service and repair code that their dealers weren’t doing beforehand? I cannot believe that their dealer services were worse than this, surely? And just to remind you, in brief, subscribers are required to provide…
- honest and fair services
- open and transparent pricing
- work completed as agreed
- invoices that match prices
- competent and conscientious staff…
oh yes and a swift complaint service which is a bit like admitting defeat before you start ;-).
Is that all? Surely the UK’s main car dealerships must be doing this as a bare minimum? So why sign up to such a low standard? Certainly my business would fail if I didn’t do a lot more than this and I don’t have the power to despatch dangerous cars onto our roads…
I am also amazed that so few motorists have been told that garages aren’t licensed or regulated and that mechanics don’t have to be qualified. Having said that FOXY does recognise and support the sterling work re ATA at the Institute of the Motor Industry (of which I am a member) and the growing number of mechanics that have been trained and qualified recently so things are on the up.
But Motor Codes doesn’t explain the garage choice to motorists. Some want dealership standards and others are more driven by cost, especially if they drive an older car. I think this is something that the motor industry needs to do or, even better, an independent motoring voice, as a matter of urgency and to include the new EU rules which need to be understood by all.
Nor does it address the perception of many that they’ll be sold services they don’t need or want. And from a female point of view, the tendency of this male dominated industry to patronise us…
My advice to garages considering subscribing? Read the Motor Code and question why you need it. Are you not better than that already?
Will the Motor Codes code do anything to prevent the bad garages letting the industry down in future? No it won’t because their subscribers aren’t to be monitored for c24 months and it’s just cheap (and could be misleading) publicity at £75 a year until they are.
Instead of all this and the c13 previous garage quality schemes that have failed in some 60 years… what the UK motorist needs is ONE garage standard to put all businesses on a level playing field when it comes to quality workmanship. Not ATA plus OFT plus BSI plus TSI motor trade partnerships et al… it’s far too confusing for most motorists.
FOXY
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