Retail Motor Industry Federation
Encyclopedia
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) represents the interests of motor industry
operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland
and the Isle of Man
, providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. It does not represent businesses in Scotland, which are represented by the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association.
sectors.
Within the membership structure, there are national and regional committees, representing small to medium dealers, truck dealers, and the largest groups in the industry.
Held quarterly, these meetings give franchised dealers the chance to exchange views and discuss common issues, and enable the NFDA to reflect local, as well as national, issues when lobbying Government departments and representing themselves through the media.
The NFDA is pursuing campaigns to re-establish new car profitability, gain lower list prices, protect members’ investment and enhance dealer viability.
An executive committee, comprising members from various regions, enables it to reflect local, as well as national, issues when lobbying Government or representing the industry through the media.
The main aims of the MRA are to provide more influence, better information and stronger support to the motorcycle retail sector to improve profitability, protect members’ investment and to enhance retailer viability.
The MRA has liaison with motorcycle manufacturers and importers, equipment and component suppliers and service provider
s. It also represents member interests with other organisations such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
(DVLA), the Department for Transport
(DFT), VOSA
, the European Commission
, Trading Standards
, Inland Revenue
, media and consumer associations.
It has an established seat at the Government table and is a member of the National Motorcycle Council and the Motorcycle Theft Action Group.
The PRA represents members' interests directly with other sectors of the market: the oil companies, Government bodies, forecourt customers and the media.
It is able to advise on such matters as motor fuel costs and margins when no fixed term agreement applies; operating agreements for sites owned by oil companies; supply terms and agreements with shop suppliers; guidance on legal problems, including employment legislation; staff recruitment and training; and equipment purchasing.
s.
Established in 1969, the SMA represents a broad mix of membership from the smaller family businesses to the larger national companies.
The SMA only accepts into membership financially viable companies which can provide evidence of sound and accepted trading practice. The SMA acts as a pressure group on behalf of the vehicle auction industry in general, and as a supplier of specialist services and advice to individual auction companies. It alerts customers to the benefits of buying or selling through SMA members who must adhere to the SMA’s Code of Practice and Customer Charter.
s.
The IGA provides assistance and guidance to the independent garage sector.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) represents its members in Europe through membership of CECRA (the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs) and CITA (International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee), ensuring that European law
does not have a detrimental effect on independent garages.
As a result of negotiation between the RMIF and the Office of Fair Trading
(OFT), independent operators have the right to service vehicles within manufacturer and extended warranties
; and the RMIF continues to campaign on the subject of access to technical information and training relevant to the maintenance of newer vehicles.
The aim of the BSD is to assist members in addressing issues and work for positive change in the industry, to help their businesses survive and thrive.
For example: one of the major ongoing projects is the revision of the Bodyshop Quality Control
(QC) Standard. The existing Standard has been a success but, as vehicle technology has moved on, the new Standard needs to be even more attractive to work providers.
The BSD’s objectives are to confront unfair practices; to assist in the creation of conditions that enable industry sectors to prosper; to raise industry standards; to train and ensure adequate human resources
; and to provide one voice for all bodyshops through unity with the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association(VBRA)
A management committee, comprising members from the various regions, enables it to reflect local, as well as national, issues when lobbying Government or representing the training industry.
The aims of the MRTA are to provide more influence, better information and stronger support to the motorcycle training
sector to improve profitability, protect members’ investment and to enhance training companies’ viability.
Personalised and attractive number plate
s have become a growth industry, with thousands of motorists now displaying registrations which perhaps represent their initials or advertise their business or profession. Others choose a number which bears an amusing message.
Members of the CNDA adhere to a strict code of conduct
, and each member is regularly monitored by the Association to ensure that, for instance, transfers are complete within an acceptable time limit.
Although the transfer of a registration number to the new owner can be done by direct application to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the process of finding a suitable registration, and then ensuring that all legal requirements are complied with, can be complex and time consuming. A dealer with CNDA membership can handle the process.
Automaker
The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles, and is one of the world's most important economic sectors by revenue....
operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
and the Isle of Man
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
, providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. It does not represent businesses in Scotland, which are represented by the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association.
Services
- Legal adviceLegal adviceIn the common law, legal advice is the giving of a formal opinion regarding the substance or procedure of the law by an officer of the court , ordinarily in exchange for financial or other tangible compensation...
and assistance - Industrial relationsLabor relationsIndustrial relations is a multidisciplinary field that studies the employment relationship. Industrial relations is increasingly being called employment relations because of the importance of non-industrial employment relationships. Many outsiders also equate industrial relations to labour relations...
assistance - National Joint Council for wage bargaining
- Partnerships with Trading Standards offices
- Independent conciliation and arbitration
- Public relationsPublic relationsPublic relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
and marketing - MOT appeals, representation and fee negotiations
- Business development
- Lobbying in the United KingdomLobbying in the United KingdomLobbying in the United Kingdom plays a significant role in the formation of legislation and a wide variety of commercial organisations, lobby groups 'lobby' for particular policies and decisions by Parliament and other political organs at state and local levels. It is also possible, but less...
and in the EULobbyingLobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies. Lobbying is done by various people or groups, from private-sector individuals or corporations, fellow legislators or government officials, or... - Promotion of member businesses to consumers
- Information on government policy, legislation and developments
- Preferential rates on goods and services
Members
Members of the RMIF generate an annual turnover of £70 billion and employ 600,000 people directly.Statistics
Motoring contributes £30 billion annually to the economy in taxes. 75% of all UK households have access to a car, with 30% owning two or more. The 33 million vehicles licensed for use in the UK travel a distance of more than 12.5 million times around the world each year.NFDA, National Franchised Dealers Association
The RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) represents the welfare and interests of franchised dealers within the passenger car and commercial vehicleCommercial vehicle
A commercial vehicle is a type of motor vehicle that may be used for transporting goods or passengers. The European Union defines "commercial motor vehicle" as any motorised road vehicle, which by its type of construction and equipment is designed for, and capable of transporting, whether for...
sectors.
Within the membership structure, there are national and regional committees, representing small to medium dealers, truck dealers, and the largest groups in the industry.
Held quarterly, these meetings give franchised dealers the chance to exchange views and discuss common issues, and enable the NFDA to reflect local, as well as national, issues when lobbying Government departments and representing themselves through the media.
The NFDA is pursuing campaigns to re-establish new car profitability, gain lower list prices, protect members’ investment and enhance dealer viability.
MRA, Motorcycle Retailers Association
The RMI Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA) is the only organisation that represents exclusively the welfare and interests of retailers of motorcycles, related accessories and services.An executive committee, comprising members from various regions, enables it to reflect local, as well as national, issues when lobbying Government or representing the industry through the media.
The main aims of the MRA are to provide more influence, better information and stronger support to the motorcycle retail sector to improve profitability, protect members’ investment and to enhance retailer viability.
The MRA has liaison with motorcycle manufacturers and importers, equipment and component suppliers and service provider
Service provider
A service provider is an entity that provides services to other entities. Usually, this refers to a business that provides subscription or web service to other businesses or individuals. Examples of these services include Internet access, Mobile phone operators, and web application hosting...
s. It also represents member interests with other organisations such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is the organisation of the UK Government responsible for maintaining a database of drivers and a database of vehicles in Great Britain; its counterpart in Northern Ireland is the Driver & Vehicle Agency...
(DVLA), the Department for Transport
Department for Transport
In the United Kingdom, the Department for Transport is the government department responsible for the English transport network and a limited number of transport matters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which are not devolved...
(DFT), VOSA
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency is a non-departmental public body granted Trading Fund status in the United Kingdom sponsored by the Department for Transport of the United Kingdom Government.-History:...
, the European Commission
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
, Trading Standards
Trading Standards Institute
The Trading Standards Institute is the professional association which represents trading standards professionals in the UK and overseas.-History:...
, Inland Revenue
Inland Revenue
The Inland Revenue was, until April 2005, a department of the British Government responsible for the collection of direct taxation, including income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, corporation tax, petroleum revenue tax and stamp duty...
, media and consumer associations.
It has an established seat at the Government table and is a member of the National Motorcycle Council and the Motorcycle Theft Action Group.
PRA, Petrol Retailers Association
The RMI Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has a range of services to support those making a living through fuel sales and convenience shopping.The PRA represents members' interests directly with other sectors of the market: the oil companies, Government bodies, forecourt customers and the media.
It is able to advise on such matters as motor fuel costs and margins when no fixed term agreement applies; operating agreements for sites owned by oil companies; supply terms and agreements with shop suppliers; guidance on legal problems, including employment legislation; staff recruitment and training; and equipment purchasing.
SMA, Society of Motor Auctions
The RMI Society of Motor Auctions (SMA) represents auction companies of all sizes selling cars, commercial vehicles and off-road vehicleOff-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving on and off paved or gravel surface. It is generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads, a flexible suspension, or even caterpillar tracks...
s.
Established in 1969, the SMA represents a broad mix of membership from the smaller family businesses to the larger national companies.
The SMA only accepts into membership financially viable companies which can provide evidence of sound and accepted trading practice. The SMA acts as a pressure group on behalf of the vehicle auction industry in general, and as a supplier of specialist services and advice to individual auction companies. It alerts customers to the benefits of buying or selling through SMA members who must adhere to the SMA’s Code of Practice and Customer Charter.
IGA, Independent Garage Association
The RMI Independent Garage Association (IGA) provides UK and European influence, quality standards, support services and technical information for those involved in the service, repair, sale and MOT testing of motor vehicleMotor vehicle
A motor vehicle or road vehicle is a self-propelled wheeled vehicle that does not operate on rails, such as trains or trolleys. The vehicle propulsion is provided by an engine or motor, usually by an internal combustion engine, or an electric motor, or some combination of the two, such as hybrid...
s.
The IGA provides assistance and guidance to the independent garage sector.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) represents its members in Europe through membership of CECRA (the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs) and CITA (International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee), ensuring that European law
European Union law
European Union law is a body of treaties and legislation, such as Regulations and Directives, which have direct effect or indirect effect on the laws of European Union member states. The three sources of European Union law are primary law, secondary law and supplementary law...
does not have a detrimental effect on independent garages.
As a result of negotiation between the RMIF and the Office of Fair Trading
Office of Fair Trading
The Office of Fair Trading is a not-for-profit and non-ministerial government department of the United Kingdom, established by the Fair Trading Act 1973, which enforces both consumer protection and competition law, acting as the UK's economic regulator...
(OFT), independent operators have the right to service vehicles within manufacturer and extended warranties
Extended warranty
An extended warranty, sometimes called a service agreement, a service contract, or a maintenance agreement, is a prolonged warranty offered to consumers. The extended warranty may be offered by the warranty administrator, the retailer or the manufacturer. Extended warranties cost extra and for a...
; and the RMIF continues to campaign on the subject of access to technical information and training relevant to the maintenance of newer vehicles.
BSD, Bodyshop Services Division
The RMI Bodyshop Services Division (BSD) policy is formulated by a National Consultative Group consisting of some of the country's leading accident repair specialists.The aim of the BSD is to assist members in addressing issues and work for positive change in the industry, to help their businesses survive and thrive.
For example: one of the major ongoing projects is the revision of the Bodyshop Quality Control
Quality control
Quality control, or QC for short, is a process by which entities review the quality of all factors involved in production. This approach places an emphasis on three aspects:...
(QC) Standard. The existing Standard has been a success but, as vehicle technology has moved on, the new Standard needs to be even more attractive to work providers.
The BSD’s objectives are to confront unfair practices; to assist in the creation of conditions that enable industry sectors to prosper; to raise industry standards; to train and ensure adequate human resources
Human resources
Human resources is a term used to describe the individuals who make up the workforce of an organization, although it is also applied in labor economics to, for example, business sectors or even whole nations...
; and to provide one voice for all bodyshops through unity with the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association(VBRA)
MRTA, Motorcycle Rider Training Association
The RMI Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) represents the welfare and interests of companies involved in the provision of motorcycle rider training.A management committee, comprising members from the various regions, enables it to reflect local, as well as national, issues when lobbying Government or representing the training industry.
The aims of the MRTA are to provide more influence, better information and stronger support to the motorcycle training
Motorcycle training
Motorcycle training teaches motorcycle riders the skills for riding on public roads. It is the equivalent of driver's education for car drivers...
sector to improve profitability, protect members’ investment and to enhance training companies’ viability.
CNDA, Cherished Numbers Dealers Association
The RMI Cherished Numbers Dealers Association (CNDA) was established in 1971 to represent dealers of personalised and attractive registration numbers, and to protect the interests of their customers.Personalised and attractive number plate
Number plate
A number plate may be:* a vehicle registration plate* a plate attached to a locomotive indicating their number, particularly in the UK and Australia, which are often collected as memorabilia....
s have become a growth industry, with thousands of motorists now displaying registrations which perhaps represent their initials or advertise their business or profession. Others choose a number which bears an amusing message.
Members of the CNDA adhere to a strict code of conduct
Code of Conduct
A code of conduct is a set of rules outlining the responsibilities of or proper practices for an individual, party or organization. Related concepts include ethical codes and honor codes....
, and each member is regularly monitored by the Association to ensure that, for instance, transfers are complete within an acceptable time limit.
Although the transfer of a registration number to the new owner can be done by direct application to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the process of finding a suitable registration, and then ensuring that all legal requirements are complied with, can be complex and time consuming. A dealer with CNDA membership can handle the process.
Aims and objectives
The aims and objectives of the RMIF are- To support and represent the interests of the companies operating in the sector
- To create conditions for the industry to prosper
- To establish an infrastructure for those buying and operating cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles.
- To raise standards throughout the industry through quality control schemes and lifetime learning training programs
- To represent the views of the industry to Parliament, Government and the European UnionEuropean UnionThe European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
- To raise the profile of the federated associations through positive public relations straties
- To promote ecological improvements in the automotive industry