The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has backed independent smash repairers’ right to technical information, as the issue descends into a motor industry war of words.

Independent garages rely on affordable access to manufacturers’ repair information to remain competitive.

In 2012 a Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council review recommended the motor industry collaborate on a new code of conduct to ensure this information is always available.

But the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), backed by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), sparked anger by releasing its own code in advance of any jointly agreed document.

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) says the FCAI has shown contempt by “walking away” from the consultation process.

It claims the FCAI code will reduce consumer choice.

“The decision to proceed with the release of a code while efforts were still under way to resolve a broader agreement with consumers and other stakeholders represents a serious breach of faith,” AAA CEO Andrew McKellar said.

The FCAI says it is still committed to the collaborative project, but it and the AADA “are the only organisations that appear to be making progress on this matter”.

Federal Small Business Minister Bruce Billson is arranging a roundtable meeting to try to resolve the differences.

ICA says it supports initiatives that enhance the effectiveness of the motor vehicle smash repair industry and benefit consumers.

“The availability of technical repair information from the manufacturer is crucial when undertaking vehicle repairs,” a spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Manufacturers should provide repair information as part of the importation process.”