The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has rebuked the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and National Franchised Dealers Association’s (NFDA) for their new ‘Minute Or Two’ MOT campaign, saying it is a blatant attempt to drive business away from independent garages.

The SMMT says it launched a new pre-MOT checklist for consumers in an effort to bring down failure rates. However, the IGA says it appears designed to also drive aftermarket business to manufacturer main dealers, and that the new campaign only offers what the independent sector has offered to its customers for years.

IGA director Stuart James said: “The SMMT and NFDA have referred to a manufacturer guaranteed MOT as part of the campaign which is likely to be confusing to consumers. There is only one MOT test, which is regulated by VOSA [The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency], and this fact needs to be clear to consumers.

“The manufacturer dealers are promoting ideas that have been common practice in independent garages for a long time. If a small repair needs doing, such as a light bulb needs replacing, or the oil needs topping up, many independent garages will automatically do these repairs as a matter of good customer relations.

“However it is good to see that manufacturer dealers are making efforts to embrace what the independent sector excels in.”