The Australian Automotive Industry Gathers for Historic Talks

SYDNEY – Aug 31, 2011: It is not often that all sectors of the Australian Automotive Industry gather together to discuss a single topic, but that was before ‘access to technical information’ threatened to drive a wedge between some them.

On Tuesday 6 September, members of the Australian Automotive Industry will attend the ‘Vehicle Service and Repair Information’ Conference, during Freight Week, at the Melbourne Park Function Centre (home of the Australian Open Tennis). VACC believes the Conference will be one of the most significant gatherings of automotive sector representatives the industry has seen.

“It is not unusual for individual automotive sectors to meet in large numbers, but this will be the first time representatives from manufacturers, importers, dealers, service and repairs, insurers, associations, parts retailers, Governments and others have come together under one roof,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“The Conference will discuss the issue of access to technical, diagnostic, service and repair information because if we do not do so now, it could have serious consequences for motorists and business owners in the future,” Mr Purchase said.

The significance of the Vehicle Service and Repair Information Conference has increased following a decision by the Honourable David Bradbury MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, to defer the deadline for submissions to an Issues Paper, titled ‘Sharing of repair information in the automotive industry’ in order to consider the presentations made at the Conference.

“Tuesday 6 September 2011 will be an important date for the Australian Automotive Industry. We are not expecting the Conference to yield a common consensus on the day, but it will provide a unique opportunity for all sectors to have their say and to hear the views of others. VACC has organised this national and industry-wide Conference because we recognise the issue needs to be discussed,” Mr Purchase said.