Consumer watchdog

[Kenny]

Some very interesting reading about car manufacturers holding back on technical information from mechanics in Australia. Hopefully things change for the better.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-14/accc-calls-for-overhaul-of-car-industry/9259910

[mux339]

Interesting article, thanks Kenny.

Maybe we as a collective could write to Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automobile Industries, and assure him that he is misled if he thinks there is "low level of concerns amongst consumers".

I for one detest the Isuzu Ute Australia approach to openness about technical information relating to their vehicles. We should be permitted to buy and use workshop manuals, just as mechanics, regardless of association, must be able to access servicing and technical information, online or otherwise.

[tom60]

Part of Tony's job description is to protect the status quo so I'd be amazed if he stated there was a problem prior to it being so obvious that even blind Freddie could see it.

Hopefully the ACCC will force the industry to change.  Car manufacturing is dying in Aust so the industry and govt can't claim they are protecting jobs. 

[mydmax2]

I think Tony Weber is a bit half baked/cooked if he doesn't know what the real situation is amongst buyers of vehicles. Purely because he is at the top, is the reason he won't have contact with the vital parts of the industry  and buying community.
He is in the business of appeasing all, not looking after all. 
Just another case of mind over matter, all of us have a fairly good idea of who the are minding and who don't matter.
PS, there were more prospective car buyers born today and yesterday too. The supply doesn'seem to stop.

[JB4WD]

This is the sort of BS that we need to fight. I for one am really annoyed that I can't buy a manual for the DMax and my Mazda CX-9. It also annoys the hell out of me that my local mechanic can't get access to manuals & software updates. If we all wrote to both Tony Weber & Rod Sims telling them of our concerns and encouraged all our friends, workmates & members of other forums we belong to, to do the same we might get changes legislated sooner rather than later. Once again our laws lag way behind Europe & the USA. JB

[jx2mad]

I had a problem with my previous vehicle, a T4 VW Caravelle. The electrics between the computer and the auto box failed. The auto electrician said it could not be fixed without a circuit diagram and they were not available from VW. I happened to be a member of the British T4 Club and I obtained the diagram for a small donation to a charity there . I emailed these to the auto elec. who nearly fell off his chair. It was fixed within an hour. Thank heavens for forum members.

[reverendbazza]

I am with every one else on this thread, just love to buy a workshop manual for my vehicle, but to get a
govt dept to move against manufacturers/dealers who make most of their money after the new vehicle has
been sold. IE genuine parts and so called after sales service would like trying to push the poo up the creek.
                    Cheers Bazza