Retail Motor Industry Federation
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The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) represents the interests of Motor Industry opperatoirs in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses.
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[edit] What Does the RMIF Offer?
- Legal advice and assistance
- Industrial relations
- National Joint Council for wage bargaining
- Partnerships with Local Trading Standards offices
- Independent conciliation and arbitration
- Public relations and marketing
- MOT appeals, representation and fee negotiations
- Business development
- Government Lobbying (UK and EU)
- Promotion of member businesses to consumers
- Raise standards of service and care
- Promote raised standards
- Provide information on government policy, legislation and developments
- Provide preferential rates on goods and services
[edit] General Information
[edit] Members
Members of the RMIF form on of the largest and most important industrial sectors in the UK.
Together they:
- Generate an annual turnover of £70 billion
- Employ 600,000 people directly
- support a further 1.9 million jobs (6% of the UK workforce)
[edit] Statistics
Motoring itself 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 combined distance of more than 12.5 million times around the world each year.
[edit] Members of the RMIF
[edit] NFDA
National Franchised Dealers Association
The RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) exclusively represents the welfare and interests of franchised dealers within both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors.
It has strong links with dealer associations, and it is our aim that every significant franchise should have an active, strong dealer council to represent them.
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 not only give franchised dealers the chance to exchange views and discuss common issues, but also enable the NFDA to reflect local, as well as national, issues when lobbying Government departments and representing ourselves through the media.
The NFDA is actively pursuing campaigns to re-establish new car profitability, gain lower list prices, protect members’ investment and enhance dealer viability. It strives to provide more influence, better information and stronger support to the franchised dealer.
Numerous services are available, either on or off dealer premises, which are designed to overcome the main problems that the trade is likely to encounter.
[edit] 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. MRA membership is viewed by consumers and the media as a mark of professionalism and reliability – an important factor in today’s tough trading environment.
The MRA has regular and ongoing liaison with motorcycle manufacturers and importers, equipment and component suppliers and service providers. It also lobbies and 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 an active member of the National Motorcycle Council and the Motorcycle Theft Action Group.
[edit] PRA
Petrol Retailers Association
The RMI Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has a unique range of services to support those making a living through fuel sales and convenience shopping.
At a general level, the PRA represents members' interests directly with other sectors of the market: the oil companies, Government bodies, forecourt customers and the media.
More directly, it is able to advise on such vital 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.
In the short to medium term, profitability from fuel sales alone will not improve substantially, and may even decline further. The future for individual retailers will depend on how adaptable they are in providing new services or products to satisfy available and loyal customers.
In addition, if individuals can act as a group, they will have new strength in business negotiations. Through its regional and national committees, the PRA already provides that opportunity for retailers to bond together and share best practice.
Whatever category of retailing agreement you operate with - and even if you do not own the premises - you will be able to join the PRA and invest in your future.
[edit] 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 vehicles.
Established in 1969, the SMA represents a broad mix of membership from the smaller family businesses to the larger national plcs.
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.
[edit] IGA
Independent Garage Association
The RMI Independent Garage Association (IGA) provides UK and European influence, quality standards, support services and contemporary technical information for those involved in the service, repair, sale and MOT testing of motor vehicles.
The IGA aims to provide assistance and guidance to the independent garage sector, and members, large and small, benefit from the broad spectrum of services and advice available.
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 determined 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.
[edit] 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 the current issues and work for positive changes in the industry, both in the short and long term, to help their businesses survive and thrive.
For example: one of the major ongoing projects is the revision of our Bodyshop Quality Control (QC) Standard. The existing Standard has been a great success, attracting the likes of Motorcare, Town & Country and Allianz Cornhill to do business with our QC member bodyshops; as vehicle technology has moved on, the new Standard needs to be relevant, up to date and even more attractive to work providers.
The BSD’s main 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)
[edit] MRTA
Motorcycle Rider Training Association
The RMI Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) represents exclusively 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 main 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. MRTA membership is viewed by consumers and the media as a mark of professionalism and reliability – an important factor in today’s tough trading environment.
[edit] CNDA
Cherished Numbers Dealers Association
The RMI Cherished Numbers Dealers Association (CNDA) was established in 1971 to represent reputable and responsible dealers of personalised and attractive registration numbers, and to protect the interests of their customers.
Personalised and attractive number plates 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 or simply to disguise the true age of their vehicle.
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 you can arrange the transfer of a registration number yourself 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 make the whole business complex and time consuming. Opting for a dealer with CNDA membership assures you of their proven experience and efficiency in handling the formalities for you.
[edit] Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the RMIF
- To support and represent the interests of the companies operating in the sector
- To create conditions for the industry to prosper
- To establish a sound 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 Union
- To match environmental aspirations with successful economic and industrial competitiveness goals
- To raise the profile of the federated associations through positive public relations straties
- To promote ecological improvements in the automotive industry
[edit] Location and Contacts
For member queries call the RMIF Helpline on 01788 538 307.
For any other inquiries please consult the RMIF website [1]
The RMIF head office is located at 201 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5AB. To speak to a representative of a particular Association call 020 7580 9122, and the advisers shall be happy to redirect you.
