Renault ready for consumer rights act

Motor Codes, the government-approved consumer watchdog for the automotive industry, has launched a new service for its subscriber network, which will provide online training to ensure businesses are compliant with the soon to be implemented Consumer Rights Act.

Renault has this month become the first organisation to start using the online portal, and its staff will be among the first employees in the UK to be compliant with the legislation. UK businesses must comply by 1 October 2015.

The key implications for the motor industry relate to the consumer’s right to reject their purchase or have it repaired. The new legislation also aligns and modernises eight existing pieces of consumer legislation and covers new areas, including digital content.

Motor Codes delivers the training in partnership with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The training provides advice on the implications of this new legislation for traders, case studies and an examination that will help make them compliant.

Stephen Whitcombe, head of network quality and training at Renault said, ‘We’re fast tracking to being the first UK manufacturer to comply with this very important consumer legislation. The Motor Codes training package will ensure that all our head office staff and dealership network are fully compliant with the Consumer Rights Bill.’

He added, ‘We see the legislation as a real positive in regards to managing relationships with customers and the training package delivered by Motor Codes is a very welcome addition to their existing service.’

Bill Fennell, managing director, Motor Codes said, ‘Our training services are delivered in partnership with the CTSI, and this new Consumer Rights online training course will help ensure the motor industry is on top of this new legislation.’

‘Renault’s adoption of our training package is an example of how seriously the industry takes consumer rights. Organisations from all areas of the industry are now embracing the legislation and the training that is now on offer.’

More than 99% of car manufacturers are already signed up to the Motor Codes service, which serves consumers through a network of 7,500 garages across the UK. Motor Codes is urging all franchise dealerships and businesses across the UK to make sure that they are compliant with the legislation in advance of 1 October.