Beware of car repair imposters, warns the RMI

THE Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) is warning motorists and fleet owners not to be duped by repairers claiming to be RMI members, when in fact they are not.

“We are aware of several cases over the last 12 months where repairers have brandished RMI logos and insignia in their workshops claiming to be members in order to get business,” says Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI.

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He said the RMI had developed minimum industry standards that apply to facilities, tools, equipment and human resources.

“Once a business is accredited, it can display the insignia or logos of the RMI and the relevant association. When a member stops being a member in good standing, such as when the business cancels its membership, or fails to meet the minimum requirements for accreditation, it is no longer permitted to display such insignia and logos. The RMI takes great care to ensure that members who proclaim to be accredited members, meet the minimum industry requirements as this protects the consumer,” he said.

Unfortunately, he says, there have been some businesses that no longer qualify for accredited membership of the RMI but still display the insignia and logo.

“The RMI takes strict legal action against such businesses, in order to protect the integrity of the RMI and the best interests of the consumer,” said Olivier.

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Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), said it too has encountered this issue.

“It was brought to our attention by an insurer who did a background check on a workshop and discovered that the workshop claiming to be a MIWA member wasn’t one. We took immediate action and the MIWA signage has since been removed.”

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