PRESS RELEASE
Release date: 25th November 2014
SERMI is ‘huge
step forward for independents,’ says IGA
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has hailed the new SERMI (SEcurity related Repair and Maintenance Information) website as a ‘significant step towards having a level playing field for accessing security manufacturer information;’ calling it a victory for its membership.
The SERMI scheme means that independent garages are another step closer towards accessing Manufacturer Security Information. It has been set up to develop, operate and maintain a process which forms a part of the ISO-18541 Standard for Standardised access to Repair and Maintenance Information (RMI).The scheme sets out the rules and requirements for independent operators who can demonstrate the necessary integrity to be granted access to security related RMI
RMI Standards and Certification is positioned to be the first organisation in Europe to accredit against this standard, which will keep the UK independent sector competitive and ensure that consumers and fleet operators do not have to make any compromises when choosing an independent garage for service and repair.
Stuart James, IGA Director, who has long been fighting for the rights of independent garages to access manufacturer technical information, called SERMI a huge step forward for the IGA and its members.
“The ability to access manufacturer security information takes us ever closer to the ‘level playing field’ promised by EU legislation, and I am delighted that there has been a giant leap towards achieving it,” he said.
“It is our commitment at the IGA, to go the extra mile for the independent garage sector and ensure that they have the same access to information, and the same support, as the vehicle manufacturers’ franchised operations. This will help to future proof the industry and ensure that the garage sector remains competitive and consumers have a choice of where to take their vehicle for a service, MOT or repair.”
Meanwhile, a number of IGA members have come forward to talk of further benefits they have experienced since becoming a part of the Association. IGA members are able to explore a number of benefits when joining the IGA, such as technical training, Trust My Garage (the only consumer code for independent garages), and the independent sector’s first ever Car Repair Plan. The IGA also provides a number of in-house benefits such as legal and HR advice, health and safety support and the IGA Technical Helpdesk.
Jane Russell, of Russell Automotive Centre recently won Independent Garage of the Year at the 2014 Motor Trader Awards show. She said: “We have made use of being an IGA member through their technical and legal advice. The motor industry is competitive so to be a part of the IGA, who are providing independent garages with a strong, unified voice, really fits with our company mission statement to change the image of the independent garage sector.”
The IGA represents its members at Parliamentary level in the UK and Europe and recently successfully lobbied against moves to change the frequency of MOTs to 4-2-2. This, together with the recent introduction of SERMI is helping to drive the independent garage sector forward.
John Rhodes, at
John Rhodes Motor Engineers who has been an IGA member for nearly 30 years
concluded: “The role of a motor technician is ever changing so it is great
to be represented by the IGA, which remains at the forefront of industry
change. They understand the issues that affect me and my garage and work hard
on my behalf to ensure I continue to offer a great, professional service.”
-ENDS-
About
the Independent Garage Association
The RMI’s Independent Garage Association is the largest and most prominent representative body in the independent garage sector. It acts as the voice of the industry in matters arising in the UK Government and Europe regarding legislative and regulatory issues.
Made up of highly experienced business owners from the independent aftermarket sector, the IGA aims to support and encourage independent garages to thrive in all aspects of their business by offering advice, information and service which ensure that the independent service and repair sector can remain efficient, and competitive in an increasingly complex business landscape.
For
further information, please contact:-
John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 76 520025,
or e-mail john@bridgepr.co.uk.