Issued By
MOTOR TRADE PARTNERSHIP - THE KEY TO SUCCESS (25th July 2001) Over the next two weeks the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service will be holding a series of events to launch its Motor Trade Partnership, designed to help protect motor trade customers, offering protection for those buying cars or having car repairs carried out. The Partnership between Trading Standards and the motor trade is aimed at cutting the thousands of complaints received every year from members of the public. 19% of all consumer complaints received relate to the motor industry, ranging from poor servicing, the sale of unroadworthy vehicles to misleading pricing. Although the figures may make gloomy reading, the majority of complaints result from misunderstandings by the parties concerned or a break down in communication. It is only the activities of a minority of traders which require legal proceedings to be brought, but generally the public feel that they are given a poor deal by the car industry. Due to these misconceptions, the Motor Trade Partnership was created to ensure greater customer satisfaction in all aspects of purchasing and servicing of motor vehicles. The members of the scheme have been audited independently by officers from the Trading Standards Service and have demonstrated a commitment to fair, safe and honest trade practices. The Partnership requires members, amongst other things, to - - comply with the spirit and letter of the law - carry out mileage checks on used vehicles - have an established customer complaints procedure - ensure advertisements are truthful and not misleading Chairman of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, Councillor Graham Clarke said "The public are generally mistrustful of the motor trade and this Scheme will help improve the image of decent traders. It will give customers peace of mind and encourage them to purchase from member companies." Martin Wood, West Yorkshire's Chief Trading Standards Officer said "The motor trade are unfortunately notoriously wary of Trading Standards and this Scheme will help to forge better relations. We are trying to provide a level playing field for everyone. Details of members are available on the Website, www.ts.wyjs.org.uk, or consumers can contact the West Yorkshire Consumer Helpline on 0113 3848 848. Alternatively, details will also be available at local Citizens Advice Bureaux." For further information contact:- Paul Smith, Enforcement Officer Tel: 0113 289 8219 Graham Hebblethwaite, Divisional Manager/General Media Contact Tel: 0113 289 8218 Richard Bramley, Divisional Manager Tel: 0113 289 8205 P Cooper, Divisional Manager Tel: 0113 289 8240 NOTES TO EDITORS The Official Launch of the Partnership in each of the five districts will take place as follows: Venue Date Time Bradford JCT 600, Sticker Lane, Bradford Wakefield CD Bramall, Doncaster Road, Wakefield Kirklees Colin Appleyard CarsLockwood Road, Huddersfield Calderdale Sunwin Motors, Queens Road, Halifax Leeds Benfield Ford, York Road, Leeds In addition on Friday, 3rd August 2001 at 12 noon, there will be a general launch of the Partnership in the Conference Room at the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Complex, Nepshaw Lane South, Morley, when Councillor Graham Clarke and prominent members of the partnership will be available to be interviewed/photographed etc. |
