The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is launching its GarageSafe initative this year to help establish and maintain access to security level vehicle information for independent garages.
The GarageSafe platform is based on America’s successful National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), which already has security and key coding information for many vehicle manufacturers. The IGA is bringing this online gateway to the UK with the intention of supplying information to certified garages.
This will be complimented by a recently introduced “right to repair” bill in America that will ensure independent garages have the same levels of access to repair and maintenance information as dealerships, providing consumers with more options to choose where to go for repairs.
The scheme was announced last year as a response to the end of EU Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations in 2023. Although it has been suggested the EU may extend Block Exemption, the UK has yet to signal its plans going forward.
“Consumers must have the freedom to choose where to maintain and repair their vehicles and GarageSafe provides a pioneering solution, taking another step forward in quality and reassurance for consumers who choose a reputable independent garage,” commented Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive.
“America’s new bill is a step in the right direction. President Biden is making consumer choice a priority which cements everything the IGA is aiming to achieve with GarageSafe and NASTF.”
GarageSafe will be launching in the UK and available to IGA members later this year.
