Which? supporting the Code

Big news from the Motor Codes office is consumer champion Which? reiterating their commitment to supporting the Service and Repair Code.

Richard Headland, editor of Which? has called for independent garages to match the commitment of the franchised sector and get behind the Code, which should become a 'hallmark of quality for consumers to recognise and trust' - sounds about right to me!

The momentum is definitely with the Code and its prominence is growing rapidly, lets not forget we only launched in September 2008 but already we have some significant and genuine support for all the right organisations.

The real boost for me is that Which?, Trading Standards, Consumer Direct and the like aren't normally so overtly supportive of such initiatives - so let's take the initiative and prove that industry led self regulation is working and making the market work well for consumers.

If you're a garage operator there really isn't any excuse anymore - join the thousands of garages that have already taken the opportunity to identify themselves as one of the good guys and are beginning to change the perceptions of the garage sector - sign up today at:

http://www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk/

See the press release here

http://www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk/press-releases/consumer-body-which-says-service-and-repair-code-is-garages-last-chance-to-clean-up-their-act.html

All the best

Chris

Consumers benefit from Service and Repair Code

Consumer Direct, the OFT operated advisory service released its half year 'complaint' statistics this week, reporting overall contacts regarding independent garages down - excellent news and an early indicator that the work Motor Codes and the garage sector are carrying out together is making a difference after such a short period of time.

The drop is 5% - significant if you consider the history of reported complaints about this most prominent, consumer facing sector.

The message from Motor Codes is simple.

To garage operators, the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair is the recognised minimum standard of operation for your sector - you need to sign up and become part of the solution.

To motorists, use a garage that subscribes to the Code for your servicing and mechanical repairs. Why risk a rip off by going anywhere else?

You can trust a Motor Codes garage.

http://www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk/press-releases/press-releases/customer-complaints-about-car-servicing-and-repairs-at-independent-garages-are-being-driven-down.html

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/news/

All the best
Chris

Don't risk a rip off - you can trust a Motor Codes garage

We had some research carried out into how people feel about taking their car to a garage for service or repair work. While the majority feel reasonably comfortable, some felt nervous, some were unsure what work had been carried out and why, some thought they'd paid a little more than they should. Almost all thought there should be an industry code setting the standards and monitoring performance.

http://www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk/press-releases/gearing-up-for-garage-reform.html

The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair is now fulfilling that requirement. Setting the minimum standard that customers should expect, and defining how garages should engage with their customers and make the process as straightforward and transparent as possible.

Garages, sign yourself up and make good use of the website directing motorists to responsible business operators in their area via the online Garage Finder on the Motor Codes web site.

Consumers, why go anywhere else? Don't risk a rip off, look for the logo and have confidence in your choice of garage by using the Garage Finder facility on the Motor Codes website. Even better, leave feedback via the on line Consumer Survey so other motorists get to assess the garages that you have used based on relevant information supplied by people that have previous experience.

Garages and motorists - do your bit and get involved in changing the perception of the garage business.

www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk

All the best
Chris

Motor Codes launches 'one stop shop' for motorists and industry

Tuesday, 14 July 2009.

An important day for Motor Codes and the motor industry. Here I am presenting to attendees on the creation of the new motor industry service establishing minimum standards of operation and delivering on the requirement of government and the consumer lobby - providing consistent and robust protection for consumers.

Motor Industry Codes of Practice, operated by Motor Codes Limited now provides this consistency and protection via the alignment of three codes:

The Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars

The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair

The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Vehicle Warranty Products

All written in conjunction with the sector to which it applies and backed by the Office of Fair Trading, government, consumer lobby and media - together we're changing the approach to customer service within the UK automotive sector.

Here's Ron Gainsford, chief executive of Trading Standards Institute, speaking at the event and confirming TS support for the initiative and Motor Codes approach to industry led self regulation.

For customers, the codes detail what to minimally expect, for businesses subscribing to one of the codes, a firm commitment to customer service and free, independent advisory and dispute resolution should something go wrong.

Which? also spoke on the day, with their editor, Richard Headland offering support and praise for the industry in moving forward and bolstering consumer protection and choice.

One new industry approach, three codes, one website, one freephone advice line number -

100% consumer protection.

http://www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk/

All the best
Chris

Twitter

Keep up to speed with all things Motor Codes with my new twitter account. It appears that short and sweet messaging is the order of the day - suits me!

Just getting into the swing of it, so give me a few days!

http://twitter.com/ChrisMasonMCL

All the best
Chris

Simple message

It becomes apparent over the 10 months we have been operating the Service and Repair Code that those subscribers who get it are already moving their perceptions from compliance tool to marketing tool - and seeing bottom line benefits.

It's not difficult, your subscription puts you in a better competitive position than other garages in your area - customers are looking for a garage they can trust, and advertising your garage as a subscriber to the industry minimum standard of operation delivers that trust.

Get signed up, and get marketing yourself as better than those that haven't - it'll pay for itself in no time at all!

Customers, don't risk a rip off, you can trust a Motor Codes garage.

All the best
Chris

AutoInform

Interesting to receive this new online industry magazine - good interview on the Service and Repair Code on page 11!

All the best
Chris

Congratulations The Academy Group

Congratulations to Academy Group Manchester, winner of the Motor Trader Garage of the Year Award 2009.




The competition was tough this year with Academy Group battling it out with Balsdons Vehicle Services (Devon), T J Hall & Son (Oxford), Harish's Auto Services (London), Motorforce (Chichester).

I'm rather pleased to say that not only is this years winner a subscriber to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, but so too are 3 of the finalists, demonstrating that the best garages are signed up to the Code.

Well done all, shame there's only one winner and all the other appropriate cliches that apply when one's trying to keep everyone smiling!

I know, the Service and Repair Code was nominated for Product of the Year Award and came a close second with a highly commended, congratulations to Castrol Professional - who won with their Red Carpet Training.

Maybe next time....

All the best
Chris

VOSA support for the Code

This weeks excellent news came via a press release on Wednesday announcing the support of the Service and Repair Code from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. VOSA are responsible for 19,500 MOT testing stations, some coverage.

Unfortunately VOSA can't make them all subscribe, but their endorsement is a fantastic step forward in the recognition of what this Code is achieving in such a short period of time.

Clearly we are looking to build a working relationship with VOSA and look forward to establishing the Code within the MOT testing station network.

Here's the press release.

All the best
Chris