A change of image

Press, 6 July 1983, Page 26

A change of image

The image of a car wrecking yard as a junk heap is as old and timeworn as the industry itself. Whatever shortcomings, aesthetic or ethical, might have been associated with the wrecking business in previous decades, however, a new association is determined to give it a new image in the 80s.

The name has been the first to go: car wrecking yards have become automotive recycling centres. Those involved prefer to call themselves dismantlers.

The changes have come about since the incorporation of the two existing business associations, the

Association of Motor Vehicle Wreckers and Christchurch Amalgamated Dismantlers, which between them account for 29 of the city’s dismantling businesses.

The new, combined association is known as Canterbury Amalgamated Dismantlers Incorporated, and although it was formed less than two months ago, members of the steering committee have already undertaken a publicity campaign aimed at improving the public image.

The main point they are trying to convey is that it is as safe to buy automotive parts from a dismantler as it is from a new parts dealer.

Their trade, like many others, has been forced to change with the times. Modern store fronts are taking

over from littered yards; the latest retailing and merchandising techniques are being used; parts are cleaned and tested before sale; and warranties are provided on many of the components sold, with refunds or replacements offered if the customer is 'not entirely satisfied with a purchase.

The association is currently working on an exhaustive code of ethics that will bind its members. Any complaints made in writing to the steering committee will be investigated and, where justified, immediate action will be taken to ensure customer satisfaction. The association is also concerned to improve the appearance of its members’ premises and is working on the possibility of providing a combined dumping yard for stripped car bodies instead of having hulks piled up in individual yards. The company that crushes the hulks to recycle their metal collects Christchurch car bodies only once every 18

months and Council tips are becoming more restrictive in dealing with hulks. Service to the public has been improved through the use of radio telephones connecting all members of the association. If a particular part is not in stock at one yard, the staff can contact other businesses to find it. This eliminates the frustrating round of telephone calls and personal visits members of the public were previously forced to undertake in order to find the appropriate part. In a large number of cases, the dismantling industry is the sole source of parts for discontinued models or rare vehicles. Using a recycled part saves owners the considerable expense of having new parts specially machined .or manufactured.

To the customer, whether wholesale or retail, recycled auto parts can represent savings of up to 50 per cent on the cost of new replacements, even those that are readily available.