The Associations came together for a Global Meeting during Automechanika 2024

Thirty associations representing the multi-brand vehicle aftermarket in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, India, South Africa, the USA, and from almost twenty European countries, as well as European associations representing their sectors at the European Union’s level, gathered in Frankfurt during Automechanika 2024 for the Right to Repair Global meeting (R2RG).
Over the years, the R2RG meeting has increasingly become a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration among the associations representing the multi-brand Automotive Aftermarket worldwide.
More than just a gathering, this forum actively shapes the future of the industry. A central focus includes addressing common challenges, particularly those arising from unclear practices by vehicle manufacturers.
A significant challenge facing repairers, parts distributors, and suppliers is the need to maintain unrestricted access to Repair and Maintenance Information (RMI), technical information, and the freedom to use tools and spare parts.
With the advent of digitalisation and the emergence of ‘software-defined vehicles,’ new concerns have arisen, including access to in-vehicle generated data, the vehicle’s operational functions and resources, the growing absence of repair information for electric vehicle batteries, and the increasing issue of parts captivity.
In this context, vehicle manufacturers gain a competitive advantage by controlling the data generated by vehicles.
This control impacts the volume and quality of information available to independent service providers, ultimately limiting digital opportunities for the businesses and restricting the freedom of choice for the consumers.
The participants agreed on the urgent need for a fair playing and robust legislative backing to address these challenges across various regions of the world.
Effective enforcement measures are essential to ensure that vehicle manufacturers adhere more closely to automotive regulations.
“Associations representing independent repairers around the world face powerful and well-funded adversaries in the form of global car makers who seek to maximise profits by using their technological advantage and market power to direct consumers into their authorised dealership networks,” Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.
“It is therefore vital that the global aftermarket community gather together to share their experiences and best practice under the Right to Repair Global banner to assist them to advocate for sector specific Right to Repair legislation to level the playing field and ensure all car owners have the right to choose their preferred repairer.”
Auto Care Association President and Chief Executive Officer, Bill Hanvey, echoed Stuart’s comments.
“Our global aftermarket associations are aligned to support regional legislation that ensures our industry has access to real-time repair and maintenance data,” Bill said.
“While many regions have Right To Repair initiatives at different stages of execution and development, our global symposium offers an opportunity to share best practices and to ensure a collective voice around the world on this issue that threatens consumer choice.”

For more on Right to Repair in Australia, visit www.aaaa.com.au