80 percent of the population do not know how to tell a good mechanic from a bad one

Badly repaired cars are a leading cause of traffic accidents and pose a serious risk to the safety of individuals and families on the road.

However, a recent poll shows over 80 percent of the population do not know how to tell a good mechanic from a bad one. Today, the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme announced its 20,000th accredited mechanic, offering a highly visible and successful solution to the lack of consumer confidence in the automotive repairs industry.

“The ATA scheme only started five years ago,” explains Sarah Sillars, the Executive Chair of the Institute of the Motor Industry, which administers the ATA. “To reach 20,000 accredited technicians in such a short amount of time – a rate of ten new members a day – is an incredible achievement.”

The technician to claim the 20,000 milestone was Doug Creed, who works for Kwik-Fit in Bromley, Kent.

“The accreditation is great, because it means I’m up always to speed with changes in this fast-moving industry,” said Creed.

“It’s easy to see why Kwik-Fit supports the ATA scheme, and I’m pleased to have helped it grow so quickly.”

“ATA has very strong backing from the industry,” agrees Sillars.

“Kwik-Fit is a good example of a well known industry name now giving their backing to the initiative. We’re very pleased to have reached this landmark with them. ATA technicians like Doug play an important role in improving public perceptions of our sector”

ATA is a voluntary scheme by which technicians prove their technical competence, and are also bound by an ethical Code of Conduct.

“The success of the scheme shows there is a real demand from consumers to know how to find technicians that can get the job done – properly and honestly,” continued Sillars.

To find the nearest accredited technician, a consumer can download the free ATA iPhone App, or simply visit www.okwithata.com.

Author: Lee Sibbald, March 19, 2010
Filed under: Fleet news,Institute of the Motor Industry