|
VLAI Decision To Share Its Information Which Will Aid In Deterring Potential Scammers
Car History Check Website Motorcheck.ie has today announced that it will be teaming up with the Vehicle Leasing Association of Ireland (V.L.A.I.) in order to reduce the impact that ‘clocking’ is having on the second-hand car market in the country. The art of ‘clocking’ refers to the practice of changing the genuine odometer reading of the car in order to make it a more attractive proposition to a potential buyer.
Under the terms of Motorcheck.ie’s agreement with the V.L.A.I, it is expected that up to 500,000 audited odometer readings will be added to the Irish National Mileage Register (INMR) operated by Motorcheck.ie. Currently holding 620,000 readings, this endorsement by the V.L.A.I means that Motorcheck.ie will have in excess of 1,000,000 odometer readings available for vehicles on Irish roads. The mileage readings submitted will be those recorded by a V.L.A.I member at the time an ex-lease vehicle is sold. The combined readings shall then be made available to the association and its participating members free of charge.
The Irish National Mileage Register, which is the largest of its kind in Ireland, means that any odometer reading discrepancies will be more easily picked up on by anyone involved in the motor trade and also potential buyers who carry out a vehicle history check on www.motorcheck.ie. Commenting on today’s announcement Shane Teskey, Director of Motorcheck.ie, stated:
“It has been widely reported in the media recently that ex-lease cars are among those most likely to be ‘clocked’. Motorcheck.ie, through its association with the V.L.A.I., intends on demonstrating to the public and the industry as a whole that we are pro-actively working to protect both the Irish consumer and the motor industry. With used car imports rising and domestic car values falling daily it is an extremely important time to implement this initiative and we are confident that the effect on the second-hand car market will be resoundingly positive.”
Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, welcomed the decision by the V.L.A.I to provide odometer readings from vehicles being sold by VLAI member companies. Buying a new car is normally a fairly straightforward process. But if you're buying a second-hand one, you need to be extra vigilant and well informed about the car's condition. The National Consumer Agency has produced a useful guide entitled 'Buying a used car' which can be downloaded here.
“This pro-active decision by the V.L.A.I is an extremely positive step in relation to road safety and will most definitely serve to benefit car buyers and drivers on Irish roads. ‘Clocked’ vehicles can pose a risk to safety as both unsuspecting drivers and mechanics could easily overlook essential vehicle maintenance that would be required for cars with relatively high mileage readings.”
John Wallace, President of the V.L.A.I said “The need for a National Mileage Register in Ireland has been obvious for quite some time. I'm delighted that Motorcheck has taken the initiative and proven it can be done. The V.L.A.I recognises that each mileage record submitted makes it more and more difficult for Car Clockers to operate and we look forward to contributing to the database on an ongoing basis.”
The Irish National Mileage Register can be accessed by anyone carrying out a car history check on the revamped Motorcheck.ie website. The site now includes car history data for vehicles registered in the UK and Northern Ireland as well as Irish registered vehicles that have been previously imported from the UK thereby providing car buyers with comprehensive vehicle information from both sides of the Irish Sea.
|
