Can Independents Benefit From VM Recalls?

Date: Wednesday 03 May 2017

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With the recent revelation, published by respected motoring magazine Auto Express, that most owners ignore VM recalls on their vehicles, TecAlliance calls on the independent to help reverse this trend.

According to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) statistics obtained by the magazine, less than 48 per cent of the 2.2 million vehicle recalls involving airbags, fire risks and steering failures since 2012, have actually been carried out.

Commenting on the situation, Shaun Greasley from TecAlliance said: &ldquo,These statistics &ndash, that are likely to be replicated across every area of the vehicle &ndash, just go to show how difficult it is for the franchised dealer sector to cope with recalls, which opens the door to the independent sector. That said, traditionally it has been very difficult for independents to step in and take advantage of the opportunity, which is where TecAlliance and our RMI technical service data comes to the fore.

&ldquo,Under normal circumstances, the typical independent might ask how they can reach motorists if the VMs can&rsquo,t? However, our system provides the answer in the shape of our recall information option, which provides easy access to this information on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis.

&ldquo,During the course of a normal vehicle service or repair, the RMI system obviously provides the necessary information when it comes to what needs to be carried out and the process to accomplish it, as well as how long it should take and the replacement parts that are required.

&ldquo,However, what really sets it apart is the service schedule and recall option, that allows users of the web-based subscription service, to check in a matter of seconds, the recall status of every vehicle that comes through the workshop.

&ldquo,If we were to use Audi as an example, should an S6, S7, RS and RS7 manufactured between January 2012 and August 2013 enter the workshop, interrogation of the system will reveal that due to incorrect manufacturing tolerances, the fuel line can become damaged and cause leakage, which requires replacement of the fuel line.

&ldquo,Another issue, this time affecting the A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5 and Q7 build over the same period, is a possible reduction of brake performance due to engine oil entering the brake servo via the vacuum feed line, which requires replacement of the vacuum line.

&ldquo,Armed with this information, RMI users can simply check that the recall has been undertaken and, if it has not, inform the customer and put the problem right, which not only reduces their exposure to any potential risk, but endorses the standard of service that their workshop provides.

&ldquo,The recall option is unique to RMI and further underlines the range of business solutions that TecAlliance offers the independent sector, which cater for everything from suppliers researching and developing their aftermarket programme, ensuring motor factors are able to supply the right part, first time, to paperless processes and transactions and technical service information for the installer. All this will be on show at Automechanika Birmingham, so come and see us on stand 20F100.&rdquo,

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