October 2022

Tight economy and budgets force people to hang on to their cars for longer

“Older cars require more maintenance to ensure their roadworthiness and the safety of its owner and passengers. However, many household budgets just cannot keep up with the increasing costs.”

The cost-of-living crisis is bad news for car buyers in South Africa

“South Africans are increasingly finding it hard to afford a car, never mind keeping up with the expenses of owning one.”

A truly competitive automotive aftermarket may hold multiple benefits

“…the implementation of the Guidelines for Competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket has significant potential to help with job creation and boost the circular economy.”

July 2022

Guidelines for competition results in fairer practices

“We have seen some great strides in compliance from the OEMs. Special mention goes to Volkswagen SA, who have really led the way in embracing the guidelines, in both offering the consumer more choice and supporting independent service providers with technical information so that they are able to properly service the VW vehicles brought to them,” she said.
Other brands that have made positive strides are Ford, Toyota, Volvo, Isuzu, Suzuki and Mercedes.”

June 2022

Right to Repair Celebrates one Year in Operation

“Much progress has been made over the last 12 months making the automotive aftermarket a fairer place in which to do business.”

May 2022

Car Dealers Embrace Benefits of Servicing Other Brands

“Treading into new territory, dealers are starting to embrace the benefits of the relatively new Right to Repair Guidelines for Competition in the SA automotive aftermarket.”

In Difficult times Customers need choice that doesn’t Compromise on Quality

“In South Africa, consumers have been tied to using parts and services of Original Equipment Manufacturers companies says Ridwan Gany, CFO Petrocam Lubricants.”

April 2022

Jy kan jou nuwe motor by enige geakrediteerde werkswinkel laat diens sonder om jou oorspronklike waarborg te verloor

Radio Interview with Right to Repair Director and Steering Committee Member: Les McMaster

You are Obliged to Protect your Rights

“Motoring consumers now have protection under the law. To apply and claim this protection though, understanding all the conditions of warranty and service agreements, is imperative.”

March 2022

VW Embraces the Guidelines for Competition in the Automotive Aftermarket

“We are yet to be contacted by a member of the public with a complaint against VWSA relating to the Guidelines and they have been the most transparent and open about how to make full use of the opportunities presented,” says Elliott.”

R2RSA Positive About Progress

“Right To Repair South Africa (R2RSA) says it is fantastic to see some of the big players finally embracing the spirit of the Competition Commission’s Guidelines for Competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket.”

February 2022

Car Care Clinic Joins Right to Repair South Africa

“Right to Repair South Africa is proud to announce that Car Care Clinic has joined Right to Repair South Africa as one of its newest title sponsors.”

January 2022

Driving Consumer Choice

“Years of lobbying for a fairer, more level playing field for South African motorists have finally paid off with the publication of The Guidelines to Competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket (“the Guidelines”).”

Know your parts – you are entitled to use non-original spare parts

“Replacing parts can be a costly issue and since the implementation of the Competition Commission’s new guidelines in July last year, the consumer is finally allowed to shop around and use non-original spare parts which generally come with a more competitive price tag.”

December 2021

DON’T PANIC IF YOU GET STUCK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

“If you’ve ever broken down or been involved in an accident in a small town en route to holiday you will relate to the feelings of frustration in trying to find a dealer who can assist you without compromising your car’s warranty.”

November 2021

Explained: Service plans, maintenance plans and warranties

“Since the Competition Commission Guidelines came into effect on 1 July, consumers can now choose where they want to have their new car serviced. Ford South Africa is the latest car manufacturer to commit to the new Automotive Aftermarket Guidelines, also known as ‘Right to Repair’. Starting from 1 November 2021, Ford Protect service and maintenance plans will be unbundled from the purchase price of the vehicle and will be available as an added cost option.”

Buying a new car? Here is what you need to know about the Right to Repair Act.

“Lester Kiewit speaks to Kate Elliot, CEO at Right to Repair SA as Ford SA unbundles standard service plan from its entire range.”

How the right to repair guidelines will affect motorists

October 2021

New guidelines for car servicing: 4 things motorists need to know

“Most drivers would by now be acquainted with the new guidelines to competition in the South African automotive aftermarket. There is still uncertainty out there, however, in terms of what this really means for the general motorist. Kate Elliott, chief executive officer of Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA), offers four things consumers need to know about the new rules to help clear things up.”

September 2021

SA must foster a truly competitive automotive aftermarket

“Right to Repair SA is known for advocating for consumer choice. But consumer choice has an important flipside, and that is the creation of opportunity – an all-important word in a country such as ours that is currently experiencing an unprecedented unemployment rate of 34.4%.  Never have we needed an increase in broad-based economic growth more than we do now.”

August 2021

Right to Repair SA raises red flag on non-compliance

“R2RSA reports that only one in eight of the dealers visited in the Western Cape complied with the regulations. They advised that the price quoted for a new vehicle was for the vehicle alone, and that consumers were welcome to purchase a service plan separately. They also indicated that the vehicle’s warranty would be honoured if the buyer chose to service the vehicle elsewhere.”

Right 2 Repair SA appoints new CEO

“Right to Repair South Africa NPC (R2RSA), has been advocating for freedom of repair choice for vehicle owners over the last couple of years, and has appointed Kate Elliott as Chief Executive Officer. Elliott comes to R2RSA as a seasoned expert on civil, commercial, competition, franchise and labour law having spent the last 9 years at Ashersons Attorneys a boutique law firm in South Africa. She worked first as an attorney building up to senior associate prior to joining R2RSA.”

July 2021

Apple Founder Steve Wozniak Backs Right to Repair Movement

“Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has issued a passionate endorsement of the right-to-repair movement, despite the company’s opposition.

The movement wants laws passed to guarantee users access to information and parts to repair their own devices.

“We wouldn’t have had an Apple had I not grown up in a very open technology world,” Mr Wozniak, its co-founder with Steve Jobs in the 1970s, said.

“It’s time to recognise the right to repair more fully.””

January 2021

Motorists, know your rights

“With many South Africans feeling the harsh economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, 2021 is definitely the year to exercise caution, preserve one’s assets and shop around for the most competitive prices…”

Consumer Watch: Consumer developments to keep an eye out for in 2021

“HOPE FOR MOTORISTS – Last month, there was a glimmer of hope offered to motorists – a shake-up in the automotive aftermarket sector, with the release of the Competition Commission’s final guidelines, which was hailed as good news for consumers, smaller players and new entrants to the market…”

December 2020

Automotive aftermarket faces big shake-up

“On Thursday (December 10), the Competition Commission issued the final guidelines for competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket (automotive guidelines)…”

South Africa’s auto sector is heading for an overhaul

“KwaZulu-Natal car owner recently drove his Mercedes-Benz two and a half hours to the nearest Mercedes dealership, which was situated in Shelly Beach. The gearbox had been giving him trouble and he wanted a professional mechanic to look into the problem…”

February 2020

Arguments regarding safety are disingenuous, says Right to Repair

“The draft Right2Repair guidelines currently being finalised by the Competition Commission were always bound to provoke opposition from vested interests, citing issues varying from safety concerns to job losses. The view of Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA) is that the guidelines are not prescriptive, but are aimed at protecting consumers and offering them additional options…”

Unpacking Right to Repair – what the consumer needs to know

“On Friday the Competition Commission published its draft guidelines for the Automotive Aftermarket sector. There has been a lot of industry reaction in the media and some consumers may not fully appreciate the impact of these guidelines…”

Right to Repair welcomes draft guidelines

“Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA), a Section-21, not-for-profit organisation that has been advocating for freedom of repair choice for vehicle owners over the last couple of years has welcomed the publication of draft guidelines for the Automotive Aftermarket sector by the Competition Commission…”

May 2019 

No Code of Conduct but Guidelines instead

“The Competition Commission has communicated to all stakeholders in the automotive industry advising that the implementation of a single industry-wide Code of Conduct (Çode) is not feasible. Instead, the Commission intends converting the proposed Code into a Guideline to be used by the Competition authorities in applying the Competition Act in the automotive aftermarkets sector…”

April 2019 

What really happened in the Australian automotive industry

“The demise of the Australian automotive industry has been held forth by a dealers’ association in South Africa as an example of what South Africa can look forward to if the new Code of Conduct, currently being drafted by the Competition Commission, comes into effect…”

Dealers no longer in small towns

“The migration of dealerships out of small towns has left many motorists inconvenienced and having to incur extra costs to have their vehicles serviced…”

March 2019 

Battle for the carpark continues

“Recent commentary on the proposed Automotive Code of Conduct has seen the car park getting spliced into in-warranty, out-of-warranty cars, those that can be serviced versus those that can’t and who should be allowed to service which vehicles…”

February 2019 

It’s your car – should’t you be allowed to choose who repairs it?

“The independent car repair industry has been gearing up for the much-needed change it believes will come through implementation of the Automotive Industry Code of Conduct championed by the Competition Commission. “The industry is ready”, says Gunther Schmitz, Chairman of Right to Repair SA (R2RSA)….”

January 2019 

Right to Repair is bigger than just motor industry, says R2RSA

“As South Africa is preparing for implementation of an automotive industry code that supports the Right to Repair (R2R), the European Union (EU), United States (US) and other countries are starting to implement R2R in other industries…”

December 2018

Dealerships to benefit from new automotive code

“While dealerships may see the new code intended for the automotive sector as filled with doom and gloom, ‘it, in fact, protects and empowers dealerships’, says Gunther Schmitz, Chairman of Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA). 

He says the code protects dealerships in that it requires the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to have fair and reasonable selection criteria and limits the OEMs in terms of the investment requirements made on the dealership. “This offers greater security to all the dealerships out there,” he says…”

November 2018 

Competitive pricing could mean job creation in motoring sector

“Imagine a future where more car repair workshops open shop because they have access to technical information, tools and training, and competitive pricing means more people are servicing their cars more regularly. This could be a reality, says Gunther Schmitz, Chairman of Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA). “Fair competition means parts and servicing prices will drop and as vehicle owners have greater choice, they will be more willing to service their vehicles regularly. There’s no doubt this will lead to increased employment and job opportunities.” …

R2RSA calls for transparency

“Consumers want to know what they are getting for their hard-earned cash, especially when it comes to high-value items such as cars. “And why shouldn’t they,” says Gunther Schmitz, Chairman of Right to Repair South Africa. “We believe there needs to be transparency when it comes to pricing of parts, service plans, and warranties. When consumers have all the facts, they are in a better position to make a choice.”…

October 2018

26 Nations gather to support the Right to Repair cause

“Recently, representatives from 26 nations gathered in Frankfurt at the Global Right to Repair Coalition and Right to Repair SA (R2RSA) was among them.

The 2018 meeting marked the fourth meeting in eight years. The meeting Chairman, Hartmut Rohl, announced that the coalition attendance had reached 26 nations present, with China and Brazil being the latest newcomers to the meeting…”

September 2018

Right to Repair pushes for transformation and economic growth in motor sector

“The good news for the motor sector is that despite the tough economic times facing South Africans more independent workshops are opening their doors with a growing number of these being black owned. On the downside, if there isn’t change in terms of allowing these workshops access to fair competition in the market, they will not be open for long…”

August 2018

Original parts come only from manufacturers – not so, says Right to Repair

“For years consumers have been led to believe that original car parts can only be obtained from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), that they are superior parts, and independent workshops deal in inferior, or commonly referred to as pirate parts. This is not the case, says Gunther Schmitz, Acting Chairman of Right to Repair SA (R2RSA)…”

July 2018

Public speaks out about proposed Automotive Code

“Twenty-four private comments were submitted in response to the first draft of the Code of Conduct for the automotive industry. “There were several interesting ideas and issues raised in these comments, many of which support the fundamentals of the Right to Repair (R2R) Campaign,” says Gunther Schmitz, Acting Chairman for Right to Repair SA…”

June 2018 

Vehicle manufacturers start opening up sales market to independent providers

“The Right to Repair (R2R) Campaign is celebrating the decision by Volkswagen (VW) to make several changes in relation to the independent aftermarket.  They hope this move signals a willingness by manufacturers to start opening up the after-sales market to independent providers. “Thanks to the process started by the Competition Commission, we believe VW is also being guided by the practices in the European Union,” says Gunther Schmitz, spokesperson for Right to Repair SA…”

September 2017

Campaign Support

“We need you – support the Right to Repair Campaign

Since the launch of the Right to Repair Campaign at the beginning of the year, we have made progress but we need car owners to start voting with their feet. The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), representing 2 200 independent aftermarket dealers, is championing the cause which follows the international Right to Repair trend for a fair and competitive regulatory environment that enables freedom of choice for consumers.”…”

August 2017

Right to Repair SA rallies up support from major industry player

“Right to Repair SA (R2RSA) has been rallying up support for the Right to Repair campaign over the last few months and major industry stakeholders have stepped up…”

June 2017

Section 21 company formed

“The Right2Repair campaign has been given another boost with the formation of Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA), a Section 21, not-for-profit company, specifically formed to champion the Right to Repair campaign initially launched in 2013.”…”

May 2017

Bosch article MIWA supports Competition Commission approach

“The Right2Repair campaign has been given another boost with the formation of Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA), a Section 21, not-for-profit company, specifically formed to champion the Right to Repair campaign initially launched in 2013…”

April 2017

R2R – THE FIGHT CONTINUES

“R2R – The Right To Repair – is a campaign that aims to give motorists more choice in where and with whom they can have their vehicles serviced without their service/maintenance plan or warranty being compromised. The Competition Commission has now called for a code of action. MIKE MONK explains the build up…”

March 2017

Emotions run high at Commission’s Automotive Aftermarket Workshop

“Speakers at the recent Automotive Aftermarket Workshop, hosted by the Competition Commission, presented their views of the current state of play in the industry, many not without emotion.

The event took place on 17 March at The Capital, Menlyn Main, Pretoria and aimed to gather industry stakeholders as part of an information gathering session for the Competition Commission…”

February 2017

MIWA supports Competition Commission approach

“While the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) continues to fight against the hold South African dealerships have over warranties and repairs, MIWA Director Vishal Premlall wants to reiterate to motorists that this certainly isn’t the norm. “In fact,” he says, “in Europe and other parts of the world you can have your car repaired at an independent workshop and still bill the dealership. It’s called Right to Repair and this is what MIWA wants legislated in South Africa.”…”

July 2016

RIGHT TO REPAIR’S TIME HAS COME IN SA2

“While the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) continues to fight against the hold South African dealerships have over warranties and repairs, MIWA Director Vishal Premlall wants to reiterate to motorists that this certainly isn’t the norm. “In fact,” he says, “in Europe and other parts of the world you can have your car repaired at an independent workshop and still bill the dealership. It’s called Right to Repair and this is what MIWA wants legislated in South Africa.”…”

April 2016

Mixed reaction to Right 2 Repair campaign

“A growing number of organisations, spearheaded by The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), are challenging the existing power the dealer network and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) exert over the South African public when it comes to car repairs and warranties…”

May 2015

Right to Repair breakfast media release

“On 8 May over 150 select delegates attended a breakfast event, hosted by the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) at Automechanika, dedicated to the Right to Repair Campaign…”

October 2014

Collusion investigation R2RC

“The recent announcement by the Competition Commission that it will be investigating 82 automotive component manufacturers for collusion and price fixing has sparked conversation about South Africa’s motor industry and the operating thereof…”

December 2013

Massachusetts R2R laws passed

“MIWA thrilled at Right To Repair legislation in Massachusetts

On 26 November, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation into law ensuring that the commonwealth’s residents will have access to a competitive vehicle repair market….”

September 2013

Autoforum Aug submission Right to Repair call

“We need you – support the Right to Repair Campaign

Since the launch of the Right to Repair Campaign at the beginning of the year, we have made progress but we need car owners to start voting with their feet. The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), representing 2 200 independent aftermarket dealers, is championing the cause which follows the international Right to Repair trend for a fair and competitive regulatory environment that enables freedom of choice for consumers….”

May 2013

Launch of RIGHT TO REPAIR Campaign

“Right to Repair Campaign aims to put consumers in control of maintenance decision-making

The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), which represents 2 200 independent aftermarket dealers, has announced the launch of its Right to Repair Campaign. Vishal Premlall, Director of MIWA, says the Association believes that South African legislature needs to follow the international Right to Repair trend which promotes South Africa’s existing consumer and competition laws…”

December 2011

Who can repair your car?

“Who can repair your car?

Protecting choice and competition

European Union competition law exists to prevent anti-competitive practices and abuse of companys’dominant market positions. But, in recognition of the unique technical complexity of their products, the motor industry has – since 1995 – enjoyed a so called ‘block exemption’ from some aspects of competition law…”