Code confusion clears
April 28th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
MOTOR CODES has taken control of the New Car Code of Practice – creating a single ‘code’ for car dealers.
It ties up the previously confusing situation for the car industry, of having TWO codes of practice, regulated by two bodies:
• New Car Code of Practice – SMMT
• Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars – Motor Codes
From today, Motor Codes will control BOTH codes, clearing the confusion for everyone in the industry.
For car buyers, the important one is the freshly-branded New Car Code. This has OFT approval – the first in any industry to do so – and is followed by EVERY maker selling cars in the UK.
And for car dealers and makers? This is where the Motor Industry Code comes in. it covers what is said during the sales process, and what’s covered by the warranty.
Areas regulated by the Motor Industry Code include:
• Advertising
• New car sales
• Car manufacturer’s warranties
• Availability of replacement parts
• Complaints handling
Motor Codes director Chris Mason was certainly pleased to snare the New Car Code, which he described as a ‘shining example of how vehicle manufacturers have worked with the OFT and consumer lobby, to improve business methods to the benefit of consumers.’
Consumer affairs minister Gareth Thomas was also encouraged by the move. ‘The New Car Code has been an industry success story, with nearly 99 percent of cars sold in 2008 covered by the standards.’
He called upon all garages, ‘especially independents, to sign up to the Code of Practice for Service and Repair, which was launched last year and has already seen much support across the industry.’
Car dealers the land over will be praising this car Code clarification…
Car Dealer Magazine man honoured
Tags: code, motor codes, new car, SMMT
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