Jun 07, 2021 Right to Repair South Africa, NADA, Gunther Schmitz
Right to Repair South Africa welcome NADA pledge
The pledge by the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) to support the Competition Commission Guidelines when they come into effect on 1 July has been welcomed by members of 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.
Gunther Schmitz, Chairman of Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA), says Right to Repair has fought for these principles for many years and is very happy that franchised dealers are now also supporting these principles of fair competition.
Schmitz says NADA is recommending that ‘consumers will need to communicate with relevant dealers to understand what is and what is not possible with regard to respective OEMs’ processes and procedures, and terms and conditions.’
“At R2R we would want to take this a step further and suggest that consumers request their dealers to put this in writing to avoid surprises at a later stage,” says Schmitz.
He says it is important not to lose sight of the fact that the Guidelines are there to support consumer choice, fair competition and competitive pricing. Previously, motor manufacturers would void the warranty if a vehicle was not serviced at the dealership. “The Commission has now declared this practice as incompatible with the Competitions Act. Independent service providers can now service cars under warranty and the practice of voiding warranties are now themselves void.”
He says the Guidelines go even further saying if it is found that a failure is due to inferior quality parts or incorrect service procedures or faulty workmanship, the manufacturer can only decline cover for the effected component while the warranty itself remains. “In this case the service provider that caused the failure will become liable, a basic principle that has always applied,” says Schmitz.
“We strongly advise motorist to make use of reputable and independent service providers and make sure they have sufficient defective workmanship and liability insurance in place. Any components of which the warranty might be effected will then be covered by the insurance and consumers will have nothing to worry about.”
Schmitz say if consumers find that some brands are not following the rules they can contact Competition Commission or contact R2R directly for advice.
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