The new scheme became operational on July 1

The game changing Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) became operational on the 1st of July.
The law promotes a fair and level playing field for independent workshops, and ensures consumers have a choice of repairer.
As the scheme becomes operational, the AAAA has released the following answers to frequently asked questions about the scheme.

Who is overseeing the new law?
The Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) supports the day-to-day operation of the scheme and facilitates access to manufacturer vehicle information.

What happened on July 1?
This was the date by which all manufacturers had to have made available their service and repair information to all verified automotive businesses on fair and reasonable commercial terms.

What information can I access under the law?
All general repair and service information, as well as safety and security information for all vehicles manufactured after the 1st of January 2002 has been made available.

Can anyone access the information?
No. You must be able to prove you are a legitimate automotive business involved in servicing, repair, modification, dismantling, smash repair, or are a specialist repairer.

What’s the best way to access vehicle information?
AASRA has produced a unique subscription hub to verify your credentials and facilitate easy access to all participating manufacturers. AASRA also provides direct subscriber support.

What are the benefits of joining AASRA?

1. The process of obtaining information from participating manufacturers is quick and easy. Only a single verification check with AASRA is required to access all participating manufacturer data portals, saving you the time and trouble of applying to each manufacturer individually.
2. If you can’t find the vehicle information you need, you have access to a dedicated AASRA help desk that will quickly action the issue directly with the manufacturer.

How much will AASRA subscription cost?
• General Service and Repair Information plus Verification: $90 plus GST p/a, per technician.
• Security Information: $210 plus GST p/a. *Additional verification required. Service available Q2 of 2023.
• EV/Hydrogen Information: $50 plus GST once off payment plus complete the unit: Depower and reinitialise battery electric vehicles (or equivalent). This is an eight to 10 hour commitment.

How much does the information cost?
Details on the subscription costs from each manufacturer were released on the 1st of July to AASRA and have been made available publicly on the AASRA website. Data must be provided at a fair market price.

What is a fair market price?
The benchmark for a fair and reasonable price will be determined by the charges in other comparable markets and the cost of supply. This will be monitored and enforced by the ACCC and independent repairers will be able to lodge a complaint if costs vary or are unreasonable.

What if the information I need isn’t available?
AASRA has a help desk for subscribers to handle missing information reports, and a dedicated contact within each manufacturer to ensure missing information issues are handled in a timely manner.

How do the non-participating manufacturers fit in?
A small number of manufacturers are not participating under the AASRA model and will provide their own separate access point for repairers. These manufacturers must provide details of how repairers can access their data sharing websites plus the costs and terms to AASRA.
AASRA will have all of these details available as they become available at www.aasra.com.au

My workshop specialises in vehicles from a manufacturer that is not participating under AASRA. Why should I join?
90 percent of Australian brands (by sales volume) are participating under AASRA. As a specialist workshop it is likely you still service vehicles from other manufacturers and an AASRA subscription significantly simplifies and speeds up access to those manufacturer data portals. You also have access to the AASRA help desk that will quickly action any missing information you experience for any manufacturer, both participating and non-participating brands.

When and where can I join up?
You can sign up via the AASRA website at www.aasra.com.au
To ensure you stay up to date, join the AASRA email list by emailing info@aasra.com.au

What if manufacturers don’t comply?
The ACCC holds a compliance and enforcement role under the scheme. The ACCC will monitor the scheme to ensure it is being implemented as intended, and ensure information is supplied at a fair market price. There are significant penalties in place for manufacturers that do not comply with the law.

How do I provide feedback?
Given the sheer size and scope of this ground-breaking law, the complexity of the requirements, and the stakeholders involved, there will be elements of the scheme, and AASRA subscription portal that need fine tuning and tweaking as the scheme gets underway.
AASRA welcomes feedback from subscribers to ensure the scheme is meeting their needs. Feedback can be sent to info@aasra.com.au

For more information, visit www.aasra.com.au