THIS IS YOUR NASTF
Independent Service Information Providers Support NASTF

The NASTF bylaws, adopted in 2006, specify that up to one seat on the group's Board of Directors will be made available to independent service information providers. The founders of NASTF felt it would be appropriate for these organizations to have a voice in the industrywide initiative NASTF has undertaken, considering the unique interest they have in the availability of OEM service and repair information.

The number of independent service information provider companies is quite small, and unlike other stakeholder groups — franchised auto dealers, locksmiths, parts suppliers, etc. — seated on the NASTF board, they do not have their own dedicated trade association. Consequently, it was agreed that representation would come from a member company of the Equipment & Tool Institute's Shop Management and Information Software Group (SMG). Current SMG participants include Alldata, Autodata, Mitchell 1, Mitchell International and MOTOR Information Systems.

The type of products and services offered by these companies share two common traits. First and foremost, they offer repair facilities technical information that is required to service multiple brands of vehicles accurately and efficiently. Regardless of the vehicle brand or the specific type of information, the content is presented in a single location, with a consistent look and feel. Second, they rely on the availability of 'factory-authentic' information from the vehicle manufacturers to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information they disseminate.

The SMG members believe that NASTF has opened lines of communication and helped to create a level of trust and understanding between the manufacturers and the independent service information providers.

Many manufacturers, while seeking to retain as much after-sale business as possible, realize they do not have sufficient service bay capacity to 'own' their customers for life. They understand the vital need the aftermarket service and repair community has for independent resources, as the ability to properly service their vehicles directly translates to the manufacturers' vehicle owner satisfaction and loyalty goals and objectives.

We believe the transparency NASTF has promoted on the subject of information availability has helped facilitate the service information licensing process by bringing together key individuals from the manufacturers and the information providers.

We do not believe the manufacturers withhold service information from the aftermarket, and we believe that we have access to all service information the manufacturers publish. NASTF, through its information request process, helps to preserve this situation.

Without the NASTF forum, we do not believe we would have ever seen a manufacturer/aftermarket/insurance industry vehicle security initiative, let alone the successful Secure Data Release Model (SDRM) solution that is now in place.

Whether or not information-related legislation becomes a reality, we believe NASTF will continue to play a crucial role in the process of making OEM service information available to those who need it.

(Editor's note: John Lypen is the Editor-in-Chief for MOTOR Magazine. He also serves on the board of directors of the National Automotive Service Task Force, as the representative for independent service information providers.)