Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce | VACC

Today, VACC's Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) and the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) hosted ACCC's David Salisbury and Glenn Probyn at VACC House. The meeting focused on hearing concerns and suggestions from the automotive retail franchise dealer sector regarding the service, retail sale, and repair of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Victoria and Australia. The discussion aimed to address the diverse range of opinions and perspectives on EV-related matters, including those from outside the automotive retail industry.   JS Auto Consult's Managing Director Joshua Scheffer, commissioned by VACC, presented to the ACCC his comprehensive investigation into EV servicing at franchise dealer centres. The report presents comprehensive data and analysis that offers new insights into the EV servicing landscape, potentially revising some commonly held views in the industry and providing a detailed picture of current practices.   This report represents the first significant initiative by VADA and AADA to shift the narrative of how franchise dealers service, retail, and repair EVs away from entities that are not directly involved in the retail automotive market. It emphasizes the importance of industry experience and expertise in shaping public perception and policy.   The voice of the franchise dealer is highlighted as the most accurate, relevant, and important part of Australia's transition from petrol-powered vehicles to EVs. VADA also acknowledged VACC's John Khoury for representing VACC's aftermarket repairers, many of whom may have decided to expand their services to include EV servicing and repair. The meeting noted that VADA and AADA members have much in common regarding aftermarket repairs, underlining the importance of collaboration within the industry.   VADA and AADA also held a constructive discussion with the ACCC regarding the entry of new overseas-based companies into the Australian new car market. They sought confirmation that the ACCC is overseeing these new entrants to ensure compliance with fair dealership network practices. The associations emphasised the importance of new market participants adhering to Australian Consumer Law, particularly regarding manufacturer indemnity provisions. This emphasis aims to maintain strong consumer protections and fair treatment of local dealerships as suppliers.   The meeting was attended by key industry figures, including Glen Probyn and David Salisbury from ACCC, Sid Cetindag (VADA Chair), Geoff Gwilym (VACC CEO), James Voortman (AADA CEO), Brian Savage (COO AADA), Michael McKenna (VACC), Richard Rayner (Brighton Auto Ops Manager), Stewart Jenkins (Hopper Motor Group Ops Manager), and Joshua Scheffer (JS Auto Consult).   This gathering represents a significant step in aligning industry perspectives and regulatory oversight in the evolving landscape of EV sales and servicing in Australia.   #ACCC #ConsumerAffairsVictoria #aada #AustralianGovernment #autoindustry

VACC's Industry Engagement and Networking roadshow made a successful stop in Geelong last night! We were thrilled to engage with over 90 of our valued members in a packed session covering the pulse of the automotive industry. We discussed everything from current automotive trends to regulatory updates and practical business advice. These member nights are all about bringing valuable information directly to our members, fostering face-to-face connections, and addressing the issues that matter most to your businesses. A big thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible. DENSO Automotive Systems Australia, Bendix ( FMP Group (Australia) Pty Ltd), Spirit Super, Sixfam, SP Tools , Exedy Australia, OurAuto - Australia | New Zealand, RYCO Group Pty Ltd, Podium, Tecalemit, Carbon Tech. Special mention to VACC Industry Policy Adviser, John Khoury, whose expertise and leadership drive this important initiative. Stay tuned for our next stop in Preston! We're committed to supporting and empowering our members across Victoria. #VACC #AutomotiveIndustry #MemberEngagement #BusinessSupport #Geelong

VACC's Technical Services Team recently hosted another knowledge-sharing session in the Warrnambool area, about common automotive issues, diagnostic hints and tips, which was well attended. Keep a lookout for the next one of these nights in the Bendigo area. #vaccofficial #ourauto

VACC analysis of LMCTs appearing in a VCAT Hearing this week as a respondent. Please see below Week 3 of VACC’s LMCT VCAT analysis. This is week 3 of 17 weeks to be analysed by VACC. The analysis supports a research project VACC is undertaking for the next four months to gauge the LMCT presence in VCAT as a respondent in a VCAT Hearing. We have been careful to clarify that the data we have researched does include an OEM as an LMCT. #VACC #VCAT #LMCT Michael McKenna

The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association and Motor Trades Association of Australia today led an industry delegation to Ballarat to meet with the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to discuss improvements to the Road Vehicle Standards Act (2018) online IT system ROVER and advocate for an independent review of the RVSA (2018) as a matter of priority. Director Bisitecniks Mr Paul Walsh, Truck Industry Council Chief Technical Officer Mr Mark Hammond, CVIAA Vice President, Mr Jarrod Thompson, Minister Catherine King, CVIAA Secretariat, Dr Imogen Garcia Reid, Director of Policy and Advocacy FCAI Mr Philip Skinner and CEO MTAA, Mr Matthew Hobbs.

Group apprenticeship training: an Aussie innovation boosting trade skills since the '80s, with VACC Automotive Apprenticeships currently achieving 85 per cent completion rates vs 56 per cent national average. It is a training support model that focuses on an individual's learning and work aspirations. It's not just labour hire, it's investing in our future workforce. Read this week's article on page 53 of the Herald Sun or online here: https://bit.ly/3We6M7x #AutomotiveApprenticeships #VACC

We are launching a weekly VCAT Hearing analysis for LMCTs. VACC is conducting a 17-week study on Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs) listed as respondents in VCAT Hearings. This research aims to: - Compare LMCT presence to other sectors - Highlight resource limitations at VCAT - Address concerns about 52-week wait times Weekly reports will be shared with VACC LMCT Division members and on social media. Data is sourced from public VCAT schedules. The first two weeks of reports are now available. Check them out to stay informed on industry trends and VCAT proceedings. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g_yHy_yU #VACC #LMCT #VCATHearings #AutomotiveIndustry Michael McKenna Correction: Please note the percentage figure in the line ‘Percentage of LMCTs all VCAT Hearings for the week’ of the two-week analysis attached should read: 0.2 % (not .02 %) for week 8 -12 July 2024,and  0.5%  (not .05%) for week 15-19 July 2024.

Join VACC and industry expert Dave Luehr for a game-changing five-part education series starting this August. Transform your operations in just 2 hours per month! What you'll learn: - Leadership tactics for team building - Financial mastery - Workflow optimisation - Customer experience excellence - Strategies for a stellar 2025 Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionise your repair shop. Spots are filling fast! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4cELLJM #CollisionRepair #BusinessGrowth #AutomotiveIndustry #VACC

📣 New license requirement for large telehandler operators in Victoria. New regulations are now in effect, requiring a High-Risk Work Licence for operating certain non-slewing telehandlers. These changes impact operators, employers, and sellers in the industry. If you work with telehandlers, it's crucial to understand how these new rules affect you and your operations. Don't risk non-compliance, learn about the new requirements: https://lnkd.in/g_w-vzmj #WorkplaceSafety #Telehandlers #VictorianRegulations Michael McKenna #VACC #FIMDA

Spirit Super has recently launched their new Education Hub! You'll find everything you need to know about the basics of super, how insurance in super works, understanding investment options, ways to boost your super, retirement planning, and more. Empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve greater financial stability and independence. Take your financial knowledge to the next level today! https://lnkd.in/gc74-9sV #VACCPartner #SpiritSuper # Superannuation Consider the PDS and TMD at spiritsuper.com.au/pds. Issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718).