The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has warned that vehicle manufacturers are making modern cars difficult to repair by limiting access to vehicle and online systems.
The IAAF said that manufacturers are deliberately locking independent garages out of key systems, raising concerns over vehicle repairability.
It added that making vehicle and online systems only accessible to main dealers restricts choice and pushes up repair costs.
Locked systems could force fleets to exclusively use main dealers for more complex repair work.
The federation said the issue raises concerns around compliance with Vehicle Type Approval legislation and the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption framework, which state that independent operators must be granted access to repair and maintenance information on a non-discriminatory basis.
The IAAF aims to continue campaigning through its Right to Repair initiative to ensure independents can compete fairly.
Mark Field (pictured), chief executive of the IAAF, said: “This challenge is becoming more common for IAAF and we will continue to stand up for the rights of our members, vehicle owners and operators.
“If independent workshops are denied rightful access to a manufacturer’s systems, a vehicle owner’s choice is effectively limited.
“This is not just an industry concern; it’s a consumer rights issue.
“Healthy competition keeps standards high and prices fair. If independent garages cannot access the vehicle in the same way as main dealers, motorists could find themselves with fewer options and higher bills.
“That is not what drivers want, and it is not what the legislation requires.”
A consumer survey conducted by the IAAF found that 92% said they should have the right to choose which workshop maintains their vehicle, while 82% would support updated legislation to safeguard this.
42% said that intervention is needed to ensure competition, in order to keep costs down.
