A row has broken out between the BVRLA and SMMT over the development of a code of practice for the motor industry.

The code would cover all service and repair centres, and, according to the BVRLA, is aimed solely at private drivers.

"I'm appaled at the SMMT's attitude," said BVRLA director general John Lewis. "It appears that they want to treat company car drivers as second-class citizens just because they don't pay servicing and maintenance bills out of their own pockets."

"We have supported the concept of a new code to ensure that all customers of dealers and garages can be ensured of high standards of work and safety," said Lewis. "Now, with the unilateral exclusion of company car drivers it appears that those discussions have been fruitless leaving us no alternative but to withdraw our support unless the drivers of our members' customers can be included."

But the SMMT hit back, claiming there had been misunderstanding between the two parties. "We think the BVRLA has got the wrong end of the stick," said an SMMT spokesman. "Company car drivers will be using the outlets covered by the code."

The spokesman claimed that the code is described as a retail customer code of practice as a technicality, as it has to be written "in accordance with the OFT's consumer code guidelines".

"It would be a foolish dealer that worked to one code for private customers, and then treated company car drivers badly," said the SMMT spokesman. "If we get something everyone is happy with then it will benefit everyone, including company car drivers. The BVRLA comments are unhelpful, but their support is obviously important."

Subscribe