An Insurance policy for a mid-sized vehicle with a 1.5L engine costs roughly Rs. 35,000 at a Dealer. However, same coverage is Rs. 26,000 from alternative sources.  Car manufacturers and insurers collaborate to create policies which control service and claims, in addition to premiums and payouts. These policies pass through the Dealers, who possibly make […]

Car owners or independent repair shops are forced to use worn or poor components due to limited  availability or non existent market for OEM spares. Users and independent repair businesses must instead salvage used equipment, and perhaps unintentionally or intentionally using non-OEM parts. Use of poor quality non-OEM parts puts the lives of both the users [

Lack of awareness among car owners and by specific efforts of the OEMs have led to the belief that OEM parts are the only available option and every thing else is spurious. Discoverability of the right spares for repair of vehicles is very complex.  Fundamentally, vehicle owners and repairers need to be more aware that […]

Over the past few years, there has been a steady decrease in the volume and variety of repairs that independent shops have been taking in. In a research conducted by IMR to understand the challenges faced by Independent repairers, we found a few factors influencing the challenges directly related to manufacturers’ and their authorized Dealers’ monop

Manufacturers fear that customers would patronise independent repair shops that use ‘pirate parts’ not produced by them. They also use restrictive practices to drive car owners to their franchised dealer network by controlling access to catalogues, repair procedures, and special tools thus placing the car owner at a disadvantage.  Challenges Today Why it matters

Car owners believe that repair restrictions should be lifted. They argue that repair restrictions prevent timely repairs, raise the prices they pay for repairs, harm the environment, and threaten small and local businesses. Vehicle repair has evolved dramatically, with computer diagnostic technologies replacing the mechanic’s skill and hands-on experience. Computers

The Indian automotive aftermarket hosts various businesses, including garages, body shops, distributors, component and accessory manufacturers, diagnostic tool and equipment manufacturers, inspection centres, training institutes, and roadside assistance operators. It creates an extensive support network of SMEs throughout India, benefiting customers and local economie

Right to repair refers to the concept of allowing end users, business users, and consumers of technical, electronic or automotive devices, to freely repair these products in case of mechanical or technical failure. Four requirements are of particular importance: The device should be constructed and designed in a manner that allows repairs to be made […]

Imagine being in a place where your fundamental human rights are traded for monetary gain. Manufacturers are now incorporating advanced technologies into automobiles, making their service outside the dealer network very difficult. Our legal rights are compromised when contracts fail to give us, the vehicle/product owner, complete authority. Fundamentally, monopolizati

Do we have the freedom to choose how and where we get our vehicle’s repaired or serviced? Do you agree that automobile manufacturers and authorised dealers force us into a situation where our freedom of choice is restricted?  This is because automobile makers are increasingly adopting complex designs and embracing economic, technological and legal strategies [&hell