"It's hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair a small problem in the 4S shop. If I don't have the problem that the repair shop can't repair it, I won't spend money on the 4S shop." At the Guangzhou Honda 4S shop in Yizhuang, Beijing, come Mr. Ma, the owner of the Accord who repaired the instrument panel, had a helpless look on his face.
Only 4S shops can repair it is a situation that many car owners often encounter, because 4S shops monopolize maintenance technology.
The "Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Transformation and Upgrade of the Auto Maintenance Industry and Improving Service Quality" (hereinafter referred to as "Opinions") jointly released by the ten ministries and commissions of the Ministry of Communications, the Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Public Security recently released the technical information on auto repair and the freedom of original accessories Relevant regulations have been made in terms of circulation, etc., and the problem of "forced" repairs to 4S stores will be expected to be resolved in the future.
Although there are many auto parts cities across the country, it is very difficult for consumers to buy original spare parts from auto parts cities. The reason is that the strict control of accessories by domestic auto OEMs has prevented the normal circulation of accessories in the market.
The "Opinions", which will be formally implemented from January 1 next year, clarify two points: open maintenance technical information and clear the release of accessory channels. In accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of the "Opinions" on the establishment and implementation of an open system for the maintenance of automotive technical information, as of January 1, 2015, automobile manufacturers should use available information, convenient information channels, and reasonable when new cars are launched The price of information will be disclosed to authorized maintenance companies and independent operators (including independent maintenance companies, maintenance equipment manufacturing companies, maintenance technology information publishing units, maintenance technology training institutions, etc.) without discrimination and without delay.
People in the industry said: "General maintenance can be operated in the repair shop, but it involves some core maintenance technology. We cannot solve it. The owner must only send it to the 4S shop for maintenance."
In addition to technology, many monopoly measures in the field of car repairs have also kidnapped consumers.
The "Opinions" clearly pointed out that automobile production and its authorized sales and maintenance enterprises (including imported automobile operating enterprises) should inform consumers to use, maintain and repair automobile products correctly in accordance with the requirements of the instruction manual, and shall not restrict or interfere with consumers' independent choice of maintenance Enterprises and maintenance services shall not refuse to provide maintenance services on the ground that the vehicle has selected unauthorized maintenance services within the "three guarantees" period.
Industry sources told the author: "Now the market is fiercely competitive, new car sales have not made much money, and there are often promotional activities, so after-sales profits account for a large proportion, and the main way to make profits is to charge working hours through installation and maintenance and earn the difference in accessories. . "
Although the maintenance monopoly of automobile 4S stores has been criticized by many consumers, some car owners are still quite dependent on it. Mr. Liu, who lives in Beijing, sends his Grand Cherokee car to the 4S shop for maintenance every month. "I would not choose to go to a car repair shop in the society. I would rather spend a little more money to repair in a 4S shop. I feel more secure."
The "Opinions" clearly stipulates that breaking the monopoly of repair parts channels, encouraging original parts manufacturers to provide original parts and independent after-sale parts with independent trademarks to the automotive aftermarket, and allowing 4S stores to resell original parts to unauthorized repair companies or end users Factory accessories, etc. The promulgation of this regulation can further increase the degree of market competition, thereby increasing the openness of the automotive repair market and making the auto parts market more inclusive.
In an interview with the author, Chang Kun, Minister of Industry Service Department of China Auto Parts Industry Corporation, said: "Breaking the monopoly does not mean that all parts can be released into the market in the future, but should promote the auto parts market in a more standardized and orderly manner. The healthy development of China's "Opinions" will bring development opportunities to China's automotive aftermarket, and consumers will benefit from a more competitive market environment.
People in the industry said: "Customers in repair shops mainly rely on private cars. If you can repair them anywhere, the repairs are the same everywhere. Everyone is sure to choose the one that is closer to the price and the price is more favorable. Most of them are much lower than 4S stores. "If consumers can enjoy the technical support of car manufacturers in any car repair center, the market for auto repair plants will definitely be more prosperous.
The quality of the auto repair plant is uneven. The industry competition does not have certain rules and regulations, lack of integrity and credibility, and rough business models. A series of problems are also well-known conditions.
Along with the price decline, it is easy to derive related products and services. Only when the monopoly of auto parts is eliminated will the product quality and service level be improved, so as to provide consumers with more adequate choices.
