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EXCLUSIVE
CALL it the “Jeff Kennett model” — the ACCC has approved Ford’s former in-house legal counsel to be the independent umpire in disputes between Jeep and its customers.
News Corp Australia has learnt the respected Melbourne lawyer Peter George will act as arbiter between Jeep’s parent company Fiat Chrysler Australia (FCA) and car owners following the success of the former Victorian Premier’s ACCC-sanctioned mediation between Coles and suppliers, which led to $12 million of compensation earlier this year.
“We think that it’s a very good model. It’s something we are pushing more and more,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims told News Corp Australia.
Following an investigation by the ACCC, FCA has provided official undertakings that include it setting up a “consumer redress” program and reviewing its handling of previous complaints.
If customers want their dispute to be independently considered, FCA will call in Mr George. He would not comment yesterday.
FCA president Pat Dougherty said: “The ACCC’s investigation highlighted shortcomings in how we’ve responded to customer concerns, an area that we were already taking measures to address. “The ACCC’s involvement has provided additional impetus and introduced greater urgency to our own efforts, and will lead to FCA providing a far higher level of service to both its existing and future customers.”
In May, News Corp Australia revealed the ACCC was investigating FCA.
One of the complaints considered by the ACCC in its investigation was from Ashton Wood, who said yesterday it was “nice to see the ACCC are holding FCA accountable”.
The ACCC’s Mr Sims said its investigators were now looking into other major motor vehicle manufacturers. News Corp Australia has previously reported that Mazda is believed to be under scrutiny for potentially misleading customers over their consumer rights. Mazda had no comment last night.
Originally published as Jeep set to be ‘Jeffed’