Several body repair members of the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) in a notable regional city have submitted a Collective Bargaining Class Exemption Notice to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC).
This move is intended to allow them to negotiate collectively with Insurance Australia Group (IAG) concerning repair rates and conditions.
Typically, competition laws prevent such collective negotiations. However, if the ACCC approves the notice, these repairers will be able to engage in group negotiations with the insurer.
“VACC supports the members’ action and is providing assistance to the members in this process,” the VACC said.
In another news from the auto industry, NRMA Insurance (NRMA), under the umbrella of IAG, has collaborated with tech commentators Stephen Fenech and Trevor Long to launch a new podcast focused on electric vehicles (EVs).
The podcast, called “Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars,” is hosted by Fenech and Long. It addresses a broad range of EV-related topics, such as debunking common myths, sharing personal experiences of EV ownership, discussing current trends, and exploring the realities of driving and maintaining electric vehicles.
“This podcast will bust myths on EV driving and bring to life the real benefits and difficulties faced by Australians who want to make that change,” said Michelle Klein, chief customer and marketing officer at NRMA.
NRMA has reiterated its dedication to reducing emissions and supporting a net-zero future, emphasising the significant role that electric and low-emission vehicles play in achieving these goals.
As the market for EVs continues to expand, the insurer aims to assist customers in making the switch to EVs. EVs made up 7.2% of new vehicle sales in Australia in 2023, with projections suggesting this figure could reach around 30% by 2027. NRMA sees this as a clear indicator of the growing interest in and importance of EVs in the automotive industry.
“There is a huge amount of interest in electric vehicles, and as new options come to the market, we are keen to help people transition to the best electric vehicle for them,” Klein said.
The podcast is available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pocketcasts, and YouTube.
