Australia to move forward with mandatory data-sharing laws

In what is being described as a victory for independent vehicle repairers, the Australian government has announced it will push ahead with mandatory data-sharing laws.

The independent aftermarket has waged a 12-year battle for the key to a bigger share of Australia’s $25 billion auto service and repair business.

The decision means car manufacturers must make available for purchase all service and repair information to independent repairers in the same form as it is shared with their franchised dealership networks.

The mandatory system was recommended by Australia’s consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), in 2017 after it found that the current voluntary system was ineffective.