Media coverage

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that a meeting of the VADA Parts and Service Mangers Group meeting (PSG) will take place on 9 May 10.30am-12.30pm at VACC House. A TEAMS link will also be made available for those who wish to participate.

VACC member Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs) have experienced an upsurge of vehicles that have been stolen from dealerships.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) Divisions are advised that from May 2024 digital drivers licenses will be rolled out across Victoria. This follows what VicRoads advises to be a successful trial in Ballarat. You can view more about digital driver licenses by taking this link.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that the Australian Government has today released its draft legislation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). 
You can view The Hon Catherine King MP and The Hon Chris Bowen’s joint statement 'A New Vehicle Efficiency Standard tailored for Australia’ by taking the highlighted link.
 

The Australian Government will today release its draft legislation with regards to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
The impact for members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) will be massive.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are provided with the following update on the lobbying activities undertaken by Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) CEO Matt Hobbs with regards to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES). The update provided in this communication is further to the three MTAA – VADA online seminar updates provided to VADA members, one of which was co-hosted by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA).

 

Members were advised on the 4^th of February 2023, that the Australian Government released a consultation paper on a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES): ‘Cleaner, Cheaper to Run Cars: The Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Cleaner, Cheaper to Run Cars: The Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard’.

 

VACC members have previously been advised that the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) runs the National Anti-Scam Centre (the Anti-Scam Centre) which was established in July last year to make Australia a harder target for scammers. The Anti-Scam Centre does this by facilitating cooperation and collaboration across industry and government.

Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) members are invited to attend a joint Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) and Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) exclusive briefing on the Australian Government’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

Members were advised on the 4^th of February 2024 that the Australian Government released a consultation paper on a fuel efficiency standard called the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

In August 2023 members of the VACC Victorian Automobile Dealers Association, Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA), Motorcycle Industry Division (MID), and Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIA) that are working under a franchisee-franchisor arrangement were advised of the Australian Government‘s  comprehensive review of the Franchising Code of Conduct (the Code).

A specially convened TEAMS meeting of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) will take place on Thursday, 8 February from 3.30pm- 4.30pm for VADA members to be updated and express any issues they may have with the NVES. The VADA meeting will be chaired by VADA Chair Sid Cetindag, VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym and VACC Lead Policy Dr Imogen Reid.

 

VACC has received notification from the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) and Secretariat of the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee (the committee) that the Victorian Government has begun an open recruitment campaign to make industry appointments to the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee.

 

VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members who have retailed vehicles classified as a Zero and Low Emission Vehicles (ZLEV) would be aware that a Road User Charge (RUC) was introduced from 1 July 2021.

VACC has been alerted by the National Anti-Scam Centre, an operation of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), of a rise in business email compromise scams targeting customers of car dealerships and used car traders. ACCC advised that intelligence reports indicate that the scam may be spreading to caravan dealerships also.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) will be held on Wednesday, 6 December 2023 commencing at 8.00 - 8.15am.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) divisions were previously advised that the new version VACC Agreements of Sale for New and Used Motor cars would be ready to pre-order from 2 November 2023.

UPDATED TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR VACC AGREEMENTS FOR THE SALE OF NEW AND USED MOTOR CARS

Members have been previously advised about changes to the law regarding the use, proposal or reliance of unfair contract terms in standard form contracts. From 9 November 2023 unfair contract terms will be illegal. 

There have been important and substantial changes to the VACC Agreements for the Sale of New and Used Motor Cars.

While there has been a slight delay in the printing of the new agreements, VACC makes available, for a limited time, a printable versions of the new Terms and Conditions for both New and Used Motor Cars.

Members will be advised, when the agreements are available for sale through the OurAuto iStore.

UPDATED TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR VACC AGREEMENTS FOR THE SALE OF NEW AND USED MOTOR CAR

Members have been previously advised about changes to the law regarding the use, proposal or reliance of unfair contract terms in standard form contracts. From 9 November 2023 unfair contract terms will be illegal. 

There have been important and substantial changes to the VACC Agreements for the Sale of New and Used Motor Cars.

While there has been a slight delay in the printing of the new agreements, VACC makes available, for a limited time, a printable versions of the new Terms and Conditions for both New and Used Motor Cars.

Members will be advised, when the agreements are available for sale through the OurAuto iStore.

Members have previously been advised of changes to the law regarding the use, proposal or reliance of unfair contract terms (UCT) in standard form contracts. From 9 November 2023, UCTs will be illegal.

VACC has completed a detailed report to dispel the myth the LMCTs are clogging up VCAT, to highlight the dominance of the private-to-private market in Victoria and refute the call for an industry-funded lemon law ombudsman.

Members of the VACC Victorian Automobile Dealers Association, Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA), Motorcycle Industry Division (MID), Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIA) and service and repair businesses that are working under a franchisee-franchisor arrangement were advised of VACC’s national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), submission to the Australian Government’s 2023 Franchising Code Review (the review).

VACC members who operate a business under a franchise arrangement are advised that our national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), has lodged its submission in reply to the Australian Government’s 2023 Franchising Code Review.

Over recent months, there has been an increased level of VACC Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) member queries regarding how a LMCT should treat an ‘off-trade-premises’ negotiation with a consumer, and the process for delivering a demonstrator vehicle to a consumer’s residence or workplace for the purpose of a test drive. There are many intricacies that are involved for the consumer, LMCT and staff by participating in such a trade.

Please see an important bulletin from the Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) ‘Parts and Service Group’ (PSG).  The PSG is a sub-committee of VADA and feeds policy regarding the service and supply of parts from Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) dealership service departments to the VADA Executive Committee.

 

Over the past two years, the supply chain of new vehicles to dealers from overseas based manufacturers was severely disrupted. In that post pandemic period and long after, VACC received many calls from new car, motorcycle, farm machinery and commercial vehicle franchise dealers who were experiencing a marked increase in the number of individuals purchasing new vehicles from franchise dealers with the sole intention of on-selling these vehicles at inflated prices.

 

Yesterday, in the Federal Court of Australia (FCA), The Hon Justice Beach handed down his judgment in the FCA case AHG WA (2015) Pty Ltd v Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 1022. The dealer’s case was dismissed.

 

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) divisions have previously been advised of action taken by VACC with regards to the administrative challenges faced by LMCTs when dealing with Fines Victoria and Victoria Police (VicPol) when in receipt of an Infringement Notice (Traffic Offence, Parking and/or Toll).

Members are advised of the release of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) publication Luxury car tax: how to determine the principal purpose of a vehicle (LCTD 2023/1).

 

Over the past few months VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members have experienced instances where the Victorian Sheriff’s Office has attended their dealership with an order to collect fees or start seizing property for unpaid infringements, usually connected with traffic, parking and toll infringements.

 

Members were advised in March 2023 that Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) was expanding myCAV, its online licensing and registration system, to include the motor car traders licensing scheme.

Members are advised of recent action taken by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against recreational motorbike importer and distributor, Hornet Industries Pty Ltd.

The most recent meeting of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) Parts and Service Group (PSG) was held at VACC House on 10 July 2023.
The meeting was Chaired by Richard Rayner, Fixed Operations Manager from the Brighton Auto Group and was attended by 22 VADA PSG members.

The Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) has advised VACC that Information about calculating the dutiable value of new and used motor vehicles sold as a drive away deal from 1 July 2023 is now available on the SRO website, Publication D01-23. You can click here to view this information.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader Division (LMCT) are advised of the following increase to the Victorian Road User Charge (RUC) that will apply to Zero and Low Emission vehicles (ZLEV).

Over the past 12 months VACC has communicated with many LMCT members who have been victim to acquiring a motor vehicle from a member of the public that has had its odometer tampered with (wound back). The issue is exacerbated for LMCTs when they have on-sold the vehicle.

Members are advised that the Victorian State Government has informed VACC today that the Victorian Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) subsidy will close on 30 June 2023.

Members are advised that this morning VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym, joined an important meeting of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), the Truck Industry Council (TIC), The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and other state Motor Trades Associations (MTAs) to discuss with Federal Treasury some of the challenges with vehicles arriving after the Australian Government Temporary Full Expensing of Depreciating Assets program ends on 30 June 2023.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has advised that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2022-2023 financial year threshold of $71,849 to an indexed threshold figure of $76,950 for financial year 2023-2024.

 

Members are advised of specific guidance to dealers who are adding a road vehicle manufactured and/or imported vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cth) (MVSA) to the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).

 

Over recent months VACC has communicated with many LMCT members who have been victim to acquiring a motor vehicle from a member of the public or other entity that has had its odometer tampered with (i.e., wound back).

Recent activity by both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has shown that greenwashing remains a significant regulatory and enforcement priority for both watchdogs.

VACC members were alerted earlier this week of a series of issues relating to incorrect recall information being generated by the results of a PPSR Search that showed some vehicles having a recall applied to them was not current, or not applicable.

Members were advised in mid-January 2023 of a new feature that would be added to the search result when conducting a Vehicle Indentification Number (VIN) search on the Personal Property Security Register (PPSR).  That new feature would allow for a person who conducted a PPSR search to also be informed if that vehicle had an outstanding manufacturer recall.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) Divisions are advised that Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is expanding myCAV, its online licensing and registration system, to include the motor car traders licensing scheme.

On 25 November 2022, the Commonwealth Government passed legislation that provides a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for zero and low emissions vehicles (ZLEV).  The FBT exemption became effective on 1 July 2022.

On 19 January 2023, LMCT members were advised via a VACC bulletin of a series of thefts and frauds being carried out against LMCTs.  Those incidents have resulted in stolen vehicles, large scale credit card fraud, dealership damage and a raft of outer resources consumed by dealers in locating and or trying to retrieve the vehicle.  Those incidents have occurred in metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Over the past 8 weeks VACC LMCT members have suffered as a result of various vehicle thefts and frauds that have caused severe financial hardship for their business and stress for business owners and their staff.  Some incidents have been unpreventable, but most concerning is that some have been preventable and have resulted due to a breakdown or absence of process or a laissez-faire attitude by dealership staff.

For some time, Victorian LMCTs have sporadically used or ignored their legislative right to enforce the cooling-off provisions as announced in the Motor Car Traders Act 1986 (Vic).

 

VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members are reminded that Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Compliance and Enforcement Officers remain active for the entire year and can attend your dealership with or without advance warning.

All VACC Member LMCTs are urged heed the advice provided by Victoria Police with regards to a Person of Interest in relation to the series of Theft of Motor Vehicles from Dealerships throughout Southern Metro area over the past week.
 

Over the past 3 years we have seen an upsurge in participants on the retail sector who have voluntarily committed themselves to reaching or reducing net zero emissions by a certain target date.


 

With the Victorian State Election taking place on Saturday, 26 November, now is an opportune time to remind those who seek to be elected to the Victorian Parliament, of the contribution made by Victorian Franchise Dealers and LMCTs to their local community.

As many of you would know, on 25 August 2022 VADA and the kindred member states of the MTAA surveyed its dealer members to ascertain the national extent of the issue of ‘unworkable leads’ from all Australian on-line classifieds’ suppliers.

The inaugural meeting of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) Parts and Service Managers Group (PSG) discussed issues relating to consumer and dealer facing issues relating to dashboard cameras and other recording devices that remain activated when a consumer car is being serviced, repaired or driven by relevant dealership staff. The PSG has requested VACC revisit advice provided to members in 2015 for VACC for dissemination amongst its VADA service department members.  The bulletin below usurps that original 2015 advice.

 

As many members are acutely aware, the Australian Government’s Instant Asset Write Off (IAWO) initiative is coming to its conclusion on 30 June 2023.  A key criterion of eligibility for claiming the full expensing of the IAWO is that any eligible asset (or in our case vehicles) must be fully installed or ready for use by the purchaser before 30 June 30, 2023.

Members are advised of an Extraordinary Meeting held 21 August 2022 of the carsales.com.au-VACC Dealer Advisory Board (DAB).

The State Revenue Office (SRO) has advised VACC that Information about calculating the dutiable value of new and used motor vehicles sold as a drive away deal from 1 July 2022 is now available on the SRO website, Publication D01-22. You can click here to view this information.

VACC has been in communication with members over the past week with regards to how the new Button/Coin Battery Standard (the Standard) is to be applied to used motor vehicles.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has advised that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2021-22 financial year threshold of $69,152 to an indexed threshold figure of $71,849 for financial year 2022-23.

Members are advised of two circular economy funding programs released by Sustainability Victoria and the Victorian Government that are aimed at the business, non-profit and research communities.

As part of VACC’s lobbying pursuits for the upcoming 2022 Victorian State Election, VACC will be asking the next Victorian State Government to create a scheme that will result in Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs) being compensated for their work in registering and inspecting motor vehicles as well as collecting motor vehicle duty, and other fees, on behalf of the government.

The information contained within this bulletin is provided to VACC LMCT members as a reminder of their obligations under the Victorian Motor Car Traders Act and the Victorian Duties Act.  VACC has also taken the opportunity to advise of positive outcomes from the 2022-23 Victorian State Budget.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) and Used Car Traders Division (UCTD) received a dealer bulletin from the team at unsafe2safe, Road Safety Victoria, Department of Transport with an invitation for you to register for the unsafe2safe program.

Over the past two weeks there has been a media attention with regards to Dealer Delivery Fees (DDF) and what media outlets are stating are excessive DDF being charged by the dealer. Those media claims were supported by consumers alleging what they consider to be excessive DDF. The issue is now likely to be referred to the ACCC.

Following a recent meeting of the Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) Executive Committee it was agreed that VADA members should know how the shift from a new motor vehicle dealership model from predominantly internal combustion engines (ICE) to a Zero Light Emission Vehicles (ZLEV) dealership model would be made.

Members are advised of the formation of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) Service Managers Group.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released Draft Luxury Car Tax (LCT) Determination LCTD 2022/D1.

Over the past 12 months the Victorian franchise dealer network has been the key stakeholder in the delivery of Zero Low Emissions Vehicles (ZLEV) to Victorian consumers.

Members were advised in a previous bulletin issued in January 2022 that the Australian Government had released a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that was aimed at improving the effectiveness of the consumer guarantee and supplier indemnification provisions under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Members were advised in a previous bulletin issued in January 2022 that the Australian Government had released a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that was aimed at improving the effectiveness of the consumer guarantee and supplier indemnification provisions under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Many members call VACC seeking advice with regards to whether they should enter into a franchise agreement and what preliminary investigations they should commence to ascertain whether they are a ‘good fit’ for each other in the franchisee-franchisor role.

Members are advised that the Australian Government (‘the Government’) has introduced a regime requiring directors of Australian companies to hold a unique Director Identification Number (DIN).

Members of VACC’s LMCT divisions are provided with an update on outcomes emanating from recent VADA/carsales.com.au Dealer Advisory Board (DAB) meetings.

VACC members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), Used Car Trader Division (UCTD) and Automotive Dismantler and Recyclers Division (ADRD) are advised of the launch of the unsafe2safe Victorian Government Scheme (the scheme).

During the COVID pandemic it has become increasingly common for contracts for the sale and purchase of motor vehicles to be executed electronically (or remotely).  VACC has sought guidance from HWL Ebsworth, with regards to how those contracts of sale of motor vehicles should be executed

Over the past 7 days VACC has received  an increase in communications from dealer members with regards to what condition Victorian dealerships may be permitted to open under the provisions advised in Victoria's  Roadmap: Delivering the National Plan that was rolled out by Premier Andrews on 19 September 2021.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that the VADA Chair and members of the VACC/carsales.com.au Dealer Advisory Board (DAB) has recently met and discussed how carsales.com.au can assist Victorian new car franchise dealers during what seems to be never ending period of new car dealership showroom shutdown.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that the VADA Chair and members of the VACC/carsales.com.au Dealer Advisory Board (DAB) has recently met and discussed how carsales.com.au can assist Victorian new car franchise dealers during what seems to be never ending period of new car dealership showroom shutdown.

In early August 2021, the Australian Government (the Treasury) released the discussion paper ‘Automotive Franchising: Discussion Paper’ (the paper).  The paper is intended to build upon the reforms achieved in the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) Amendment (New Vehicle Dealership Agreements) Regulations 2020 Part 5 and Part 6 (the Code) that became active on July 1, 2021.

Over the recent Lockdown 6 period VACC has gone to great lengths to ensure that as much of retail automotive can continue to trade in some capacity.  Of note members should remain cognisant that the Victorian Government website announces that there are currently 24 automotive retail related Tier 1 or Tier 2 COVID-19 exposure sites.  In addition to this, there are confirmed instances of dealers being subject to on the spot fines for allowing test drives to take place. The focus is upon this sector is to get things right.

VACC has been approached by a number of dealer members seeking advice on the issue of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace.  Given the significance and complexity of the issue, VACC will host a webinar for dealers on COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace, on Monday 30 August 2021 at 3pm.

VACC welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Government that advises of the release of a discussion paper aimed at ascertaining the merits of the introduction of a standalone Automotive Franchising Code of Conduct (‘the Code’). The discussion paper also seeks to identify options for mandatory binding arbitration, and how best those options could be implemented.

VACC members are advise that from 1 July, that vehicle recalls will no longer be published by the Australian Competition and Consumers Commission (ACCC).

Please be advised that VACC has finalised and submitted a response to the Draft Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021 and the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) released by the Department of Transport.

Members are advised that the payment process to consumers for the Zero Emissions vehicle ZEV subsidy that came into effect from 2 May 2021 is still to be settled with the Victorian Government. We are hoping to have this finalised in the next few weeks.

 

The State Revenue Office (SRO) has advised VACC that Information about calculating the dutiable value of new and used motor vehicles sold as a drive away deal from 1 July 2021 is now available on the SRO website, Publication D01-21.  You can click here to view this information. 

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that from 1 July 2021, a road-user charge applies to Victorian registered zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has advised that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2020-21 threshold of $68,740 to an indexed threshold figure of $69,152 for 2021-22.

Please be advised that there is to be a change to the process for registering new vehicles from 1 July 2021.  Upcoming Commonwealth legislative changes will require vehicle dealers to make a change to the way they register new road vehicles.

***This is not legal advice ****
Members of all VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) divisions should be aware of a recent Supreme Court of Victoria (the Court) decision in the case Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd and North Park Berwick Investments Pty Ltd v Zelko Begovic [1] The court upheld a decision that the appellants contravened Section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law (‘the ACL’) that the fuel consumption figures displayed on a brand-new 2016 Mitsubishi Triton were misleading and deceptive.

This is not legal advice.
In a timely reminder for Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs), many of whom are currently enjoying favourable trading conditions, you  will find in this link a notice issued by the ACCC advises of the importance of dealing accurately with customer disputes under the provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

VACC franchise dealer members are advised that the Victorian Government announced on Sunday that they will subsidize up to $3,000 off the upfront purchase price of a new Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV).  Please see fact sheet provided to VACC from the Victorian Government.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) divisions have sought direction on the process involved when seeking a refund from the Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) when an amount of motor vehicle duty paid has been incorrectly paid or applied.  VACC has, through a series of meetings and communications, worked with SRO to assist LMCTs become aware of the refund process.

The DAB was formed as a joint initiative between carsales.com.au and VACC with a purpose of reviewing the rules, service element and functionality of the carsales.com.au platform.

The Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) has received calls from VADA members regarding the impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on automotive businesses Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) obligations and requirements.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that discounted rates for Australian dealers and Australian international delegates has been negotiated for participation to the 2021 NADA Virtual Show.

Thank you to all members who provided feedback to yesterday’s bulletin regarding the carsales.com.au new national fee regime and the formation of the inaugural carsales-VADA Dealer Advisory Board (DAB). 

Members of VACC’s Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), Used Car Traders Division (UCTD), Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) and Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIA) have, over recent weeks, experienced a heightened level of concern and frustration at an announcement made by carsales.com.au on 4 December.

Please see attached the 2020 Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) Chairs Report to be delivered by VADA Chair, Sid Cetindag at the VADA Annual General Meeting to be held on
26 November 2020.

You are invited to attend the 2020 Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) Annual General meeting on Thursday, 26 November at 10am.

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) on Tuesday welcomed the State Government’s announcement that under the Third Step, and from 11:59pm on Tuesday, Melbourne will move from “stay home” to “stay safe”, with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.

VACC Licensed Motor Car Traders ( LMCTs) members are urged to show caution when selling vehicles to persons who are citing stolen credit cards on-line, and unseen to the LMCT on a click and collect basis.

Membrs are advised of a VACC – VADA document COVID-19 : Protective Plan and implementation.  Automotive retail franchise sector industry guidance and best practice that has been sent to the Victorian Government in pursuit of having automotive franchise dealerships permitted to open during the current Stage 4 Restrictions.

VACC has requested a sensible, partial and very managed opening process to be granted well before October 26 or other landmark date.  This is an opening process that includes new and used car, commercial vehicle, motorcycle, tyre, car rental and farm machinery dealerships.

The VACC and its national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia, welcome today’s announcement by the Federal Government to introduce reforms that will free up credit lending criteria.

VACC members have been calling to seek advice on the 5km travel restriction zone announced by the Victorian State Government on 2 August 2020.
It is a confusing restriction and one that is difficult to apply to every instance. However, VACC will provide our interpretation for our members.

At an extraordinary VADA meeting held on 24 July, MTAA CEO, Richard Dudley advised that he would be meeting with the Commonwealth Treasury Department (the Department) on 27 July to provide a briefing on the state of the Victorian market.

 

Members received confirmation that the JobKeeper Payment, in its original form, will run up until the previously announced 27 September 23.59 hrs.
What is new with JobKeeper?

Members received confirmation that the JobKeeper Payment, in its original form, will run up until the previously announced 27 September 23.59 hrs.

The State Revenue Office (SRO) has advised VACC that Information about calculating the dutiable value of new and used motor vehicles sold as a drive away deal from 1 July 2020 is now available on the SRO website, Publication D01-20.  You can click here to view this information. 

The Australian Taxation Office has advised that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2019-20 threshold of $67,525 to an indexed threshold figure of $68,740 for 2020-21.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised of VADA paper written in collaboration with Steve Edmonds from ShineWing Australia titled ‘The Road to Recovery.  A roadmap for the COVID-19 recovery of Victorian automobile dealerships’.  Click HERE to read.

As a result of ongoing dialogue between VACC and the Victorian Government I can advise that the SRO has published temporary rules (see below) that will apply for LMCT's that have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).

This is the second of two VACC submissions dealing with threshold criteria and staff level criteria that is working against 70% of the Victorian Dealer cohort.  The first submission was forwarded to you on Monday and dealt with VACC's approach to the seeking relief for dealers via the Federal Government COVID-19 Stimulus packages.  You will now find attached the VACC submission to the Victorian Government 'The case for exemptions from the threshold and staff criteria in the Victorian Govt COVID-19 relief packages for automotive dealer franchises and LMCTS'.

Please see attached a VACC and Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) submission to the Australian Government ‘The case for exemptions from threshold and staff criteria in Federal Government COVID-19 relief packages for automotive dealer franchises’.   The paper was written at the request of members of the VADA Executive Committee.

VACC has received several calls and emails from members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) regarding dealership customers being pulled over by the Victoria Police and asked where they were going.  When replying they were advised by Police that having a cars serviced is not an essential service and that they must return home.

VACC has received calls from members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) concerned at the contents of an email they have received from a third party that advises of information emanating from the Office of the Premier of Victoria, indicating automotive dealerships have permission to remain open in this state.

VACC is receiving many calls from dealers regarding the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the impact it is having on the community at large as well as the likely flow on impact to VACC member businesses.

The peak body representing new car dealers in Victoria , the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) via its Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) welcomes the announcement made today by the Morrison Government of a $17.6 billion economic stimulus package designed to help keep Australians in jobs, keep businesses in business and support households and the Australian economy.  You can read the full statement by the Prime Minister's Office by taking this link.

This is the most significant movement on an issue VACC & MTAA and members have been advocating for since before the creation of the franchising code of conduct and welcomed although it may not necessarily address every concern of new car retailing.

 

Members are advised of a Victorian Government's announcement relating to a range of tax relief measures for people and businesses affected by the Victorian bushfires.  VACC applauds the Andrews Government on this initiative.

VACC members are advised of the release of today reissued versions of the State Revenue Office (SRO) Revenue Rulings that govern how Licensed Motor Car Traders will use the exemption from motor vehicle duty as dictated by Section 9 of the Victorian Duties Act 2000.

 

This bulletin has been devised for members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) in response to ongoing consumer issue with regards to the activation and use of dashcams or other recording devices.  VADA thanks the VACC IR Department for provision of this bulletin.

VADA members are encouraged to seek the views of their franchisor or own legal team before implementing any new policy within the dealership or dealership workshop. 

This bulletin examines implications with respect to use of on-board vehicle cameras or dashboard cameras (Dash Cams) by customers of VACC members.  For this purpose, it is relevant to examine surveillance and privacy legislation.

Please see attached the 2019 Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) Chair's Report delivered by VADA Chair, Sid Cetindag at the VADA Annual General Meeting held on 6 December 2019.

Please see an open letter published in today’s Australian Financial Review from VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym to Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg regarding the state of the current new car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle and farm machinery market and the impact of over regulation on a market already in distress.

The Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) advised members on 6 September that at the invitation of the Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) it had provided commentary to regarding reforms to take effect on SRO Revenue Ruling DA-034 (Trading stock/demonstrator vehicle exemptions) and DA-035 (Motor vehicle change of use provisions).

 

This is to advise you of the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA). The details of the meeting are as follows:

We advised members last week via a Bulletin that the Victorian Parliament passed legislation implementing labour hire licensing requirements, in June 2018.  As part of that legislation, the Labour Hire Licensing Authority has been set up to oversee and administer the compliance requirements of the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018.  The Act introduces a licensing scheme for providers of labour hire across all industry sectors.  The Labour Hire Licensing Authority can be accessed via home page.
 

Members are advised that VACC, in conjunction with the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), Australia’s largest association representing the country’s $310 billion retail industry sector, is calling on the Australian Government to consult with industry before implementing any recommendations contained in the final report (the report) of the Hayne Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.

VADA members have been advised that as a result of recent announcement in the 2019-20 Victorian State Government Budget that saw changes to how a service demonstrator vehicle (SDV) could be used that update to SRO revenue rulings DA-034 and DA-035 was to be affected by the State Revenue Office (SRO).

VACC has been lobbying hard both publicly and behind the scenes to have the Professional Engineer’s Registration Bill 2019 defeated.
The proposed legislation will affect the cost of doing business for both engineers and businesses who enlist their services.

Members are advised that the State Revenue Office (SRO) SRO has advised VACC of the position of dealers charging to refuel a Service Demonstrator Vehicle (SDV), advising a consumer to return SDV full of fuel or to same level and allocation of Toll and Infringements.  It is a mixed response.

Members are advised that in a watershed moment, MTAA CEO Richard Dudley, in collaboration with Michael McKenna and Steve Blestos from VACC, met with the Australian Government’s Franchising Taskforce as part of the Task Force’s examination of the recommendations of the Fairness in Franchising report.  The report was handed down by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services.

Members are reminded that the recent Victorian Budget, handed down on 27 May 219 introduced new rates of motor vehicle duty and a new exemption for service demonstrator vehicles.

VACC has received a number of calls from LMCT members with regards to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Inspectors advising LMCTs that the VACC generated window display ‘Form 4’ with version dates of September 2018, April 2019 or May 2019 not being valid and that LMCTs must use the CAV version Form 4.

Over the past few years it is becoming apparent that manufacturers are setting drive away prices that are steadily eating into Dealership Delivery Charges.  As a result, Dealers have had no alternative but to absorb some of the costs associated with receiving and preparing a vehicle for delivery.  Combined with the introduction of more motor vehicle duty charges and other taxes the Dealer can be left in a negative situation.

Please see below information provided by VicRoads to all LMCTs on how the exemption from super luxury duty on vehicles purchased before 28 May 2019 should be handled.

After meeting with VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym and a delegation of VADA Members with Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas on Tuesday, 25 June 2019, VACC has been informed by the Treasurer's Office that an exemption from the new super- luxury duty rates of duty as announced in the Victorian State Budget on 27 May 2019 has been granted for any vehicle ordered by a consumer on or before the 27 May that will be delivered and registered after 30 June 2019.

Members are advised that VACC met with the Victorian Treasurers Senior Advisor to discuss industry concern regarding the Super Luxury Duty announced in the Victorian State Budget on 27 May 2019.

The Victorian State Budget for 2019/20 was released at 1pm Monday, 27 May 2019. The Budget contains key measures that will affect some VACC members and the general business community.

Members had been advised that the Victorian State Budget for 2019/20 was released on, Monday, 27 May 2019.  The Budget contained key measures, including the introduction of two super-luxury motor vehicle duty thresholds that will impact some VACC members and consumers.  Those thresholds are listed below.


 

Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs) are advised that this bulletin is the second in a series of communications from VACC and the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) regarding the recent announcements emanating from the 2019-20 Victorian State Budget.

The Australian Taxation Office has advised via the State Revenue Office that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2018-19 threshold of $66,331 to an indexed threshold figure of $67,525 for 2019/20. 
 

Members are advised that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) are responsible for administering the Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicles with Affected Takata Airbag Inflators and Specified Spare Parts) Recall Notice 2018 (the recall).

 

Members have been previously advised that amendments to the Competition and Consumer Regulations 2010 (Cth) will mandate the requirement of prescribed text for businesses who give consumer written warranties against defects for the supply of services, as well as goods and services.  You can view a copy of the amendments by taking this link.

VACC has received notification from the Deputy Chairperson, Business Licensing Authority & Chairperson of the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee, that the Minister for Consumer Affairs has commenced an open recruitment campaign to make three appointments to the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee.  The three appointments being sought are currently held by both Community representatives and an Industry representative.

VACC encourages its franchisee members to participate in an ACCC Business Stakeholder Survey that will run from April to mid-May 2019.

The Inquiry into Franchising in Australia, conducted by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, is complete and its findings – published under the title Fairness in Franchising – were released today.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that VACC has provided a submission in response to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science inquiry into the relationship between car manufacturers and new car franchised motor vehicle dealers.  VADA also met with the Government at a specially convened stakeholder meeting in Canberra on 8 February 2019.  You can view the VACC submission by taking this link.

 

The final report of the Hayne royal commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, was released on 4 February 2019. The final report includes 76 recommendations, many of which relate to the operations of the retail automotive industry.

VACC members are advised that the Senate Select Committee Inquiry, (the Inquiry) report into Electric Vehicles was released today.  You can view the report by taking this link.  VACC supports the release of the report and looks forward to ongoing dialogue with the Government in the development of sensible policy regarding Electric Vehicles.  

VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members are advised of an important change in approach and outcomes from Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV ) with regards to CAV Compliance Inspection visits.

The Chair of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), Sharon Pask, has asked that VADA members are advised that VACC and MTAA are well on the road to achieving the VACC long term goal of a specific Franchise Code for New Car Dealers.  As many of you would be aware, VACC and MTAA have been lobbying for the introduction of such a code since 2011.

Specialty Vehicles Australia (SVA), is a special interest group within the General Division of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC).  Essentially, SVA represents vehicle builders, suppliers, enthusiast groups and engineering support businesses in Victoria.  The focus of the group is to advance, promote, protect and support this niche industry in Australia and to preserve the interests of members.

With the Victorian State election behind us, the focus is now on the upcoming Federal election where VACC on behalf of the automotive industry is calling on the Federal Government to commit to serious policy reforms across a range of areas including automotive skills shortages.

 

Those who attended the VACC Industry Awards in 2018 will never forget it.  More than 1,000 people attended the black tie gala event where 41 elite automotive businesses from across Victoria were announced as category winners in the country’s most important automotive industry award program.  The best of the best in the business were honoured in VACC’s 100th year – so will you be one of the best in 2019?

VACC has been advised that The Hon Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology and Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education today issued a joint media release announcing that a Regulation impact Statement (RIS) focussing on franchise relationships between distributors and new car dealers had been realised for consultation on the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s (DIIS) Consultation Hub .

Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) members are advised that the VACC request for a postponement of the State Revenue Office (SRO) Voluntary Disclosure (as announced in SRO Bulletin D0-18) and for the applicable retrospective 5 year clawback to be eased has been rejected by the SRO.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) and the VACC Used Car Traders Division (UCTD) are advised of a recent communication received by VACC and TACC from Holden Australia seeking industry support and assistance regarding the execution of the Takata airbag safety recall.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) would no doubt acknowledge that the retail automotive industry has had a tumultuous ride in recent times.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) were advised on 4 October 2018 of an announcement from the Victorian Treasurer that he had requested the Department of Finance and Treasury (DFT), in consultation with the State Revenue Office (SRO) undertake a review of Section 231 of the Duties Act 2000 (the Act).

This is to advise you of the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA)

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) have been frustrated for some time of the requirement to obtain a roadworthy certificate when retailing a new, registered, low kilometer (km) vehicle that has only ever been owned by a new car dealer.  These low km cars can be demonstrator cars, RDA cars /cyber cars or cars where a consumer reneges on a deal.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) are provided with the following analysis of the recent VACC New Car Dealer Cyber Survey.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that after the VACC Divisional Elections held in August 2018 the following VADA members have been successfully elected to the VADA Executive Committee:

Members have been advised that the Victorian Government had announced that SRO Voluntary Disclosure, as announced in SRO Bulletin D0-18, would be extended until 31 December 2018.  VACC thanks the Treasurer’s Office for listening to industry.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are reminded that State Revenue Office (SRO) has announced an extension to the SRO Voluntary Disclosure until 31 December 2018.

VACC together with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are hosting a series of Licensed Vehicle Testers and Technical information nights which will be rolled out across the state over the next 12 months. Further sessions will be announced in due course.

Please be advised that the Victorian Government last night announced formally that the Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) Voluntary Disclosure, as announced in SRO Bulletin D0-18, has been extended until 31 December 2018.

Request for dealer assistance to overturn criterion of State Revenue Office Bulletin D01-18

VACC new vehicle dealers are advised that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a new car consumer fact sheet titled  ‘Just bought a new car?’

For some time, members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) have reported their concerns of the practice of new vehicles being reported sold by dealers to manufacturers that are not actually sold (AKA cyber cars, called cars or Pre- RDA cars).

Members are advised that the current Motor Car Traders Regulations 2008 will expire on 1 December 2018. A remake of the Regulations has taken place and VACC has been advised that the commencement date for these Regulations is 1 September 2018.

The Australian Taxation Office has advised via Luxury Car Tax (LCT) Determination LCTD 2018/1 (FED) that the threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2017-18 threshold of $65,094 to an indexed threshold figure of $66,331 for 2018/19.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that the State Revenue Office (SRO) has agreed to a VACC request to extend the voluntary disclosure opportunity – referred to in SRO bulletin D01-18 – until 30 September 2018.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that on 25 May 2018 VACC met with the Commissioner and CEO of the State Revenue Office (SRO) to discuss the issues facing industry regarding the voluntary disclosure opportunity referred to in SRO bulletin D01-18.

Members were advised on 22 March 2018 that a Parliamentary Inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of the Franchising and Oil Code of Conduct had been established and that VACC would be entering a submission on behalf of its members.
It is the view of VACC that the Parliamentary Inquiry represents a significant opportunity to present the best case for change.

Members have previously been advised of a State Revenue Office (SRO) Bulletin D01-18 that announced an opportunity for Dealers to voluntarily disclose where they may have incorrectly obtained duty exemptions for motor vehicles registered and/or used as service demonstrator or loan vehicles.

The Takata Airbag Recall notice issued by the ACCC on 27 February 2018 has caused a high level of angst amongst LMCTs.

Of concern to LMCTs is the restriction imposed by Section 9(4)(b) which prohibits the supply of used vehicles under active recall and the effect that this has on dealer to dealer, dealer to wholesaler and auction industry participants

VACC has received information from new and used car retailers that they are being advised of delays of up to three months when attempting to book in vehicles for recall work as mandated by the Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicles with Affected Takata Airbags Inflators and Specified Parts) Recall Notice 2018.

VACC has pressed for a review into franchising with the objective of achieving an industry specific Franchise Code for many years now.  It is obvious that even with amendments to the Franchising Code, and the introduction of unfair contracts laws more recently, that our Dealer members that have had disputes with franchisors, had been left with little legal protection.

The VACC Industry Awards showcase the fantastic talent within the automotive industry, recognising their hard work and achievements. If ever there was a time to win an award, it's in our centennial year.

Members are advised that as per Section 6(3)(C) and Section 7(8)(C) of the Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicles with Affected Takata Airbag Inflators and Specified Spare Parts) Recall Notice 2018 that Airbag Warning Stickers are now available on the OurAuto iStore at ourautoistore.com.au.  The product code is VAC0291.

VACC is receiving information from new and used car retailers that they are being advised of delays of up to three months when attempting to book in vehicles for recall work as mandated by the Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicles with Affected Takata Airbags Inflators and Specified Parts) Recall Notice 2018.

Members have been advised that on 25 February 2018 the Federal Government announced a compulsory recall for all vehicles affected with defective Takata Airbags.

VACC has issued bulletins to its members on how the future sale of new and used vehicles affected by the recall can be sold.

To assist members further VACC has taken advice from our national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA). The MTAA advice reaffirms previous advice generated by VACC and legal guidance provided by our legal advisors in previous bulletins.

VACC has received many calls from LMCT’s regarding the announcement made by the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, in introducing a compulsory recall for all vehicles fitted with defective Takata airbags.

VACC meets regularly with State Revenue Office (SRO) to discuss dealer issues with the Duties Act 2000 and in particular the application, exemption and collection of Motor Vehicle Duty.

Please be advised that today the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, issued a compulsory recall for all vehicles fitted with defective Takata airbags. The ACCC advises that there are approximately 2.3 million vehicles in Australia presently equipped with the Affected Takata Airbag Inflators.

Victoria Police has informed VACC of an increase in burglaries and theft of motor vehicles across the whole of Monash police service area. In particular from car dealerships as well as more recently auto mechanic workshops. The offenders are breaking in and ransacking premises until they find the keys of the vehicles and are then stealing the vehicles along with the hard drives from CCTV cameras.

If you are experiencing franchising issues, VACC is here to help with a new online tool for dealer members.

A VACC member business was fined $40,000 with an additional $3,500 related court costs for failure to provide a safe system of work.

In September 2017, VACC sent out a bulletin to members advising of the following important change to remuneration arrangements for vehicle salespersons.

In September 2017, VACC sent out a bulletin to members advising of the following important change to remuneration arrangements for vehicle salespersons:

Members would be aware that VACC regularly meets with the State Revenue Office (SRO) to discuss issues directly related to Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) application, collection and payment of Motor Vehicle Duty as legislated via the Duties Act 2000 (the Act).

Recently the legislated amendments to the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 (Victoria) (OHS Act) were introduced under the WorkSafe Legislation Amendment Act 2017. 

VACC, on behalf of VADA members, is currently running a mainstream and social media campaign which informs consumers of what they should expect when they have their vehicle serviced at a Franchise Service Centre. The campaign began today and will run until 28 July 2017.

The Victorian Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (WIRC) provides for the indexation of weekly payments, weekly pensions for dependants and certain other amounts stipulated under that Act on 1 July each year.

Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members should note that from June 2017, the terms and conditions of the VACC Contract of Sale of New and Used vehicles (VACC Sale Contracts) have changed.
The updated contracts are identified by ‘Version 11 October 2016’ and are protected by copyright to VACC.

Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members should note that from June 2017, the terms and conditions of the VACC Contract of Sale of New and Used vehicles (VACC Sale Contracts) have changed.

VACC, on behalf of VADA members, is currently running a mainstream and social media campaign which informs consumers of what they should expect when they have their vehicle serviced at a Franchise Service Centre. The campaign began today and will run until 28 July 2017.

Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) members are advised that the Victorian State Government has announced that as part of the 2017/18 Victorian State Budget a 1% rise in new passenger motor vehicle duty will be introduced from 1 July 2017. From 1 July 2017, new passenger vehicle duty will increase from $6.40 per $200 to $8.40 per $200 of a vehicle’s market value.

VACC has been advised that Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is seeking expressions of interest for an industry representative member on the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee (the Committee). VACC encourages suitably qualified members of the motor vehicle trading industry to nominate for a vacant position on this committee.

An apprentice technician was conducting a service on a vehicle that was located on the ground, parked in a hoist bay. When the apprentice started the vehicle, he unknowingly bumped the gear lever into drive.  The technician then revved the vehicle and the vehicle moved forward quickly.  At the time of the vehicle moving forward unintentionally, another apprentice technician was reviewing a repair order at the workbench in front of the uncontrolled vehicle.  The apprentice was struck by the vehicle and pinned against the workbench. 

Over the last year there have been three incidents where trade Utes have fallen off vehicle hoists.  With this style of vehicle being heavier, longer and fitted with heavy metal tool boxes containing plant and tools, the risk of falling from the hoist has increased.