Motor Codes, the government approved consumer watchdog for the automotive industry, is encouraging businesses to meet the challenge of new consumer legislation by enrolling their staff on its new series of online training courses.
The courses, delivered in partnership with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), are designed to help employees across the UK automotive sector to understand and comply with the new Consumer Rights Act and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) legislation, both of which come into force today (1 October).
The Consumer Rights Act consolidates and updates eight existing laws, including the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, while the new ADR rules require businesses to direct dissatisfied customers to a recognised ADR provider which will work to resolve complaints amicably.
The new legislation ensures that consumers have the right to have faults corrected free of charge, or to be provided with a refund or replacement. A 30-day time period to return faulty goods entitles them to a full refund and it will be much easier for consumers to challenge terms and conditions which are not fair or are hidden in the small print.
Bill Fennell, Managing Director at Motor Codes, is urging UK automotive businesses to embrace the legislation and ensure that they train their staff to be compliant with the new laws.
He said, “The legislation is about making sure consumers get what they pay for, but it’s a real opportunity for businesses to further improve their levels of customer service. ‘Consumer Thursday’ marks a new chapter in which we will see a more transparent marketplace that will raise the benchmark in business practices and empower the industry to boost consumer trust. We urge all automotive businesses to rise to the challenge.”
Motor Codes is helping businesses meet the challenges of the legislation and 7,500 subscribers can already access online training to ensure they are compliant.
For more information, contact Motor Codes direct on 020 7344 1651 or visit www.motorcodes.co.uk
Contact
Kevin Parker MCIPR
Head of Marketing and Communications
Motor Codes Limited
Tel: +44 (0)20 7344 9215
Mobile: +44 (0)7809 522187
Editors Notes
Motor Codes is the UK’s only comprehensive Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved vehicle supply, maintenance and warranty network. Motor Codes takes a responsible approach to industry self-regulation and is the only organisation that works across all motor industry sectors: vehicle motor supply, service, warranty and aftercare, offering a suite of CTSI-approved codes of practice and providing a CTSI Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution service.
Through the Motor Codes website at www.motorcodes.co.uk/garagefinder/ you’ll find a one-stop-shop garage search service that directs you to a CTSI-approved business. Motorists can review all CTSI-approved service centre options in their area, taking into account existing customer comments, opinions and advocacy, before making an informed choice of where they wish to service and repair their vehicle.