The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has hailed the new SERMI (Security related Repair and Maintenance Information) website as a significant step towards independent garages accessing manufacturer technical information.

SERMI, which forms part of the ISO-18541 standard for standardised access to repair and maintenance information (RMI), sets out the rules and requirements for independent operators who can demonstrate the necessary integrity to be granted access to security related RMI.

RMI standards and certification is positioned to be the first organisation in Europe to accredit against this standard, which will keep the UK independent sector competitive and ensure that consumers and fleet operators do not have to make any compromises when choosing an independent garage for service and repair.

IGA director Stuart James said: “The ability to access manufacturer security information takes us ever closer to the 'level playing field' promised by EU legislation, and I am delighted that there has been a giant leap towards achieving it.

“It is our commitment at the IGA, to go the extra mile for the independent garage sector and ensure that they have the same access to information, and the same support, as the vehicle manufacturers' franchised operations. This will help to future proof the industry and ensure that the garage sector remains competitive and consumers have a choice of where to take their vehicle for a service, MOT or repair.”