Need protection from sudden MNC exits: auto dealers to government.

FADA urges Centre to evolve a framework to help protect vehicle retailer’s rights

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) on Tuesday urged the Centre to set up a framework to help protect the rights of auto dealers in cases of sudden exits of manufacturers from the market. Participating in the Auto Retail Conclave, attended by the Union Minister of Heavy Industries Mahendra Nath Pandey and SIAM President Kenichi Ayukawa, FADA also sought industry status for the auto retail sector to aid in better financing options. Stressing the need for OEMs and dealers to work together as partners in order to ensure a “win-win for all”, Mr. Ayukawa called for dealer workshops to be allowed to function as inspection and certification centres under the vehicle scrappage policy. He said SIAM was also requesting the government to start the fitness testing process much earlier in the life of a car, noting that the current 15-year or 20-year period appeared too long.