Getting right to repair right: Rodger Nardi at Wire & Gas 2024

Delivering his final public address at Wire & Gas 2024, Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) executive officer Rodger Nardi left a lasting impression on the audience before his retirement.

Nardi, who was pivotal in building and implementing the infrastructure necessary for Australia’s landmark right-to-repair legislation, provided a wealth of insight into the complexities of accessing vehicle data, the challenges the industry still faces, and the significant victories achieved so far.

His Wire & Gas session was met with considerable audience interaction, reflecting the misunderstood role of AASRA but also the respect Nardi has earned in the industry.

Ensuring independent repairers gain access to critical vehicle service data, levelling the playing field with dealership service departments has, as Nardi emphasised, been a game-changer for the industry.

“For the first time in our industry, independent workshops are on a level playing field with dealerships,” Nardi declared. “You can access the same service manuals, technical service bulletins, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic software that the dealerships do. The only difference between you and a dealership now is the lounge and the cappuccino machine.”​

Nardi’s comments were met with laughter from the audience, but the message was clear: Through the mandatory Motor Vehicle Information Scheme administered by AASRA, independent workshops now have the tools to compete directly with dealerships, an outcome that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

The Power of Access

A central focus of Nardi’s address was the importance of access to OEM diagnostic software and programming capabilities.

“Programming and reprogramming software is where we’ve faced the biggest resistance from car companies,” Nardi explained.

“Wiring diagrams and service manuals are one thing, but diagnostic software opens up a whole new realm of possibilities – and challenges.”​

This is where AASRA’s ongoing advocacy comes into play. Nardi revealed that while 70 per cent of car companies are compliant with the legislation, a stubborn 30 per cent are still resisting, particularly when it comes to diagnostic programming.

“There are still battles ahead,” he said. “But the fines are significant, starting at $190,000 and often reaching over half a million dollars for non-compliance. We’ve already made 14 referrals to the ACCC, and we expect action soon.”​

Just weeks later, Honda Australia was fined $18,780 after the ACCC issued an infringement notice for an alleged breach of information sharing requirements due to offering yearly subscriptions to its repair data portal rather than more affordable daily or monthly access. Honda said this was due to the nature of its software and the breach had taken place while it worked on a solution.

Nardi made it clear that while much progress has been made, the industry must remain vigilant in holding car companies accountable.

Game-Changing Role of J2534

Nardi also discussed the increasing adoption of J2534 pass-through technology, which allows independent workshops to access genuine OEM diagnostic software without needing to purchase expensive, brand-specific scan tools.

“Twenty years ago, car companies separated diagnostic software from the hardware,” Nardi explained. 

“With J2534, you can now use an aftermarket scan tool to access OEM software, saving workshops significant amounts of money.”​

He acknowledged that not all brands are fully on board with J2534, and some continue to impose unnecessary hurdles, but he stressed that this technology represents a major shift for the industry.

For workshops, the ability to access OEM software at a fraction of the cost means greater efficiency, faster diagnostics, and ultimately, profitability.

“At the end of the day, your profit is about how efficiently you use time,” Nardi said. “With access to the right software, you can get jobs done faster and more accurately, which translates to better margins.”​

The Challenges of EV Training

One of the most engaging parts of Nardi’s address was his discussion on the challenges of electrified vehicle training. The audience was keen to understand the implications of these training requirements when access to all information about a model is blocked due to some variants having an electrified drivetrain yet training courses are often oversubscribed.

Under the right-to-repair law, access to data related to electric and hybrid vehicles is restricted to repairers who have completed certified EV safety training.

“We’re talking about systems operating at 400 to 800 volts –enough to ruin your day if you’re not properly trained,” he warned.

He also revealed a workaround offered by Toyota which, in recognition of the shortage of EV-certified technicians in Australia, has introduced a free one-hour online course that enables independent workshops to gain access to its hybrid and EV data without the need for full certification.

“This is a smart move by Toyota,” Nardi said. “They know there aren’t enough trained technicians out there, so they’ve created an online course to give independent workshops access to their data. It’s a practical solution to a growing problem.”​

Ongoing Challenges

As Nardi’s presentation drew to a close, he reflected on the ongoing challenges that the industry will face after his retirement. He urged independent workshops to continue pushing for access to diagnostic software and to embrace  opportunities presented by the right-to-repair law.

“We’ve come a long way, but we’re not there yet,” Nardi said. “The car companies are powerful, and they won’t give up easily. But with the right tools, the right training, and the right mindset, we can make sure that independent workshops remain competitive for years to come.”​

He ended his address with a note of optimism, highlighting the role of technology like J2534 in transforming the industry and empowering independent repairers to provide the same level of service as dealerships, often at a fraction of the cost, which could not be better timed given the inflationary pressures on vehicle maintenance budgets.