Motor Codes, the industry body set up to develop and maintain codes of practice that achieve optimum consumer protection, welcomes the announcement that the Office of Fair Trading has today launched a market study of the used car market, which will run until the end of the year.

The study has arisen because complaints about used car sales regularly appear in the Consumer Direct top ten and the consumer protection division of OFT wants to understand more about the issues surrounding this. As well as carrying out consumer surveys, OFT wants to talk to relevant sector personnel, including Motor Codes, to seek a balanced view.

Through the annual Consumer Direct survey, the motor industry is aware of the levels of consumer concern surrounding the used car market. Motor Codes Limited has been created by the industry to oversee self-regulating codes of practice in the sector and is already having a positive impact on new car sales, service and repair and vehicle warranty products.

“The motor trade is a wide and diverse market and is committed to unwavering integrity when it comes to consumer protection. Today’s announcement from the OFT provides a strong first step in better understanding the extent and detail of the situation and the areas of greatest concern to consumers,” said Motor Codes director, Chris Mason. “Motor Codes is best positioned to work with government and the consumer lobby to ensure any recommendations arising from this study are addressed via our proven self-regulation methods. We look forward to exploring these opportunities with the OFT.”

Media Contact

John Procter                    020 7344 9263         jprocter@motorcodes.co.uk