Local mechanics under threat
Local mechanics could be forced shut as car makers closely guard the electronic data needed to service and repair modern cars.
"If you don't have the necessary equipment to be able to interrogate those computers, you're not going to get anywhere with this vehicle," Paul Vescio from Procar said.
Costs are rising as mainstream companies including Toyota and Hyundai make more complex "computers on wheels".
"The information to service or repair you car should be available in the market place to independent repairers and service providers,” Andrew McKellar from the Australian Automobile Association said.
In Europe and North America, car companies charge a small fee for the information needed to connect with new models.
Car dealers are keen to lock customers into servicing contracts because around half of their profits comes from the parts and servicing for the parts they sell.
The Peak manufacturers' body has been accused of walking away from negotiations to make their data available to Australia's 20,000 independent car repairers.
"We suggest the industry develop a code of conduct to work out a fair payment system for this information," Tony Weber from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said.
Otherwise customers will have to hope for an app they can download to explain what it all is.
