WHAT’S THE BUZZ Vehicle manufacturers start opening up attersales market to independent providers The Right to Repair R2R Campaign is celebrating the decision by Volkswagen WV to make several changes in relation to the independent aftermarket. They hope this move signals a willingness by manufacturers to start opening up the aftersales 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. In a submission to the Competition Commission, WV stated that it would commit to ensuring that warranties will remain in place if service, maintenance or repair work is performed by independent third parties. Along with that, it committed to making tools and equipment, as well as the technical literature required for servicing and repair of WV vehicles, available Gunther Schmitz, spokesperson for Right to Repair SA, says that “We applaud VW on taking the first step and we are looking forward to seeing other manufacturers follow suit as has happened in other countries where R2R has been active.” from approved dealers. Lastly it stated that WV is prepared to consider training for independent service providers. “This is a great step forward,” says Schmitz. “We understand that the Competition Commission is still busy with finalising the Code of Conduct and due to the complexity of the topic many stakeholder engagements are required. In the meantime, the submission by WV shows that some vehicle manufacturers are open to allowing the same competitive environment as is standard in Europe and will benefit the South African consumer.” He highlights that the R2R campaign aims to allow consumers to select where their vehicles are serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive prices in the workshop of their choice. “There is a need for a fair and competitive regulatory environment that enables freedom of choice for consumers and gives aftermarket Small Medium Enterprises a chance to stay in business. South African legislature needs to follow international Right to Repair trends which promote South Africa’s existing consumer and competition laws.” Right to Repair qhoica!„