The Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) has created a subscription hub to access manufacturer information following the introduction of the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) on 1 July.
According to the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), which has board representation on the AASRA, the database allows workshops to access participating manufacturer portals covering 90 per cent of vehicles sold in Australia. AASRA subscribers also have access to the AASRA help desk, which the AAAA said will quickly action any missing information. Non-participating brands will provide their own subscription services.
According to the AAAA, the subscription costs $90 plus GST per year, per technician, for base level access and verification. There are also subscription options for security and EV information. The pricing of each is published on the AASRA website, located at aasra.com.au.
“Given the sheer size and scope of this groundbreaking law, the complexity of the requirements and the number of stakeholders involved, there will be elements of the scheme, and AASRA subscription portal, that will need tweaking as the scheme gets underway,” the AAAA said. “AASRA welcomes feedback from subscribers to ensure the scheme is meeting your needs at [email protected].”
The AASRA has responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the scheme and access to manufacturer vehicle information, with its powers outlined in the MVIS. Its directors are Brian Savage, COO of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA); Richard Dudley, CEO of the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA); Rob Langridge, Director of Emerging Technologies at the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), and Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA.
Charity reflected on the significance of the scheme’s introduction, saying it will make a real difference to workshops.
“The AAAA has long fought for a law that gives independent workshops a fair go and motorists a choice of repairer. After more than a decade of campaigning, we are proud to see this law finally become a reality for the industry,” Charity said.
“I’ve spoken to many of our members who couldn’t wait for the new law to be operational so they can access the information they need, when they want it.”