Page 10 - Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine

NEWS
VOLKSWAGEN FINED OVER DIESEL EMISSIONS SCANDAL
FIX AUTO LAKE MACQUARIE
FIX AUTO AUSTRALIA has announced that it has joined forces with owner-operator Jason Whittaker to launch Fix Auto Lake Macquarie after previously operating as Kel Whittaker Smash Repairs.
Whittaker said that the business decided to join the Fix Auto network after considering industry trends, competitive advantages and expanded brand coverage.
“What I personally liked about the Fix model was that we have complete power as to how we operate our own business.
Fix Auto Australia head of business Terry Feehan said : “We proudly welcome Fix Auto Lake Macquarie to the Fix Auto family and wish them much continued success.”
FIX AUTO
CHANGES NAME
FIX AUTO WORLD has announced it has changed its name to Fix Automotive Network.
The move comes after the group acquired the rights of Novus glass and SRP auto glass products.
Fix Auto CEO Steve Leal said the name was changed to reflect the company’s desire to develop a fully integrated aftermarket services solution.
“We’ve grown our family of aftermarket brands to deliver a complete service solution to our industry partners and create business opportunities for our franchise members.
VOLKSWAGEN HAS BEEN fined £1 billion by German authorities over a diesel emissions cheating scandal which affected 10.7 million cars.
The scandal was first revealed in 2015 when the company admitted to using a software function that would turn on emission controls during testing and reducing those controls while driving.
In a statement released by Volkswagen, the company accepted the fine and admitted its responsibility in selling vehicles with impermissible software functions during the period.
“According to the findings of the investigation carried out by the
Braunschweig public prosecutor, monitoring duties had been breached in the Powertrain Development department in the context of vehicle tests.
“Following through examination, Volkswagen AG accepted the fine and it will not lodge an appeal against it.
“Volkswagen AG, by doing so, admits its responsibility for the diesel crisis and considers this a further major step towards the latter being overcome.”
The administrative order and subsequent fine will halt active offence proceedings against the company in Europe while administrative proceedings will continue.
10 PAINT&PANEL July / August 2018
WA REVEALS INDUSTRY INQUIRY
A parliamentary inquiry in to the autobody repair industry is underway in Western Australia.
The Economics and Industry Standing Committee resolved to inquire into:
1. Automotive smash repair work and
whether it is being carried out to
adequate standards in WA;
2. The current Motor Vehicle Insurance
and Repair Industry Code of Conduct, its governance structure and dispute resolution mechanisms and whether it is effective at regulating between repairers and insurers, and serving consumer interests;
3. Consumer choice, consumer protection and consumer knowledge with respect to insurance policies; and
4.The business practices of insurers,
and repairers and implications
for consumers.
Stephen Moir CEO of MTA WA told Paint
& Panel: “MTA WA will be talking to the industry to gather evidence and are hoping that members will provide more than anecdotal evidence of issues that affect them. We’re pleased that the inquiry will allow people to give evidence ‘in camera’ to protect their identities and we look forward to positive outcomes.”
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