Dear Mr. President…”

Dear Mr. President…”

“Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures.” Under this title, Federal Guild Master Josef Harb wrote an open letter to the ARBÖ, specifically its President Peter Rezar and Secretary General Gerald Kumnig.

The stumbling block was a current advertising campaign by the mobility club, which offered new customers the following treat, among other things, under the motto “Become a member now and secure your benefits”: “Free §57a “Pickelrl” assessment or wheel change”.

As far as changing the wheels is concerned, which is offered free of charge with newly completed membership, Harb states in the letter to the ARBÖ leadership: “It is not our place as the Federal Vehicle Technology Guild to judge and evaluate this decision over a 15-minute activity.” However, if the periodic vehicle inspection is offered free of charge in accordance with Section 57a ​​KFG 1967, then the fun stops: As Harb emphasizes, this is "a legally required activity that we have been trying to improve the image of for years."

The 57a Expert Conference was founded in 2007 to professionalize periodic vehicle inspections, standardize the processes and eliminate differences of opinion with the state authorities. This common path has so far worked quite well, meaning that the EU-wide “attacks” on the “Austrian private system” have largely been avoided. The ISO testing center certification was not included in Directive 2014/45/EU, the basis of §57a KFG in conjunction with the PBStV. This directive is currently being evaluated by the EU Commission.

Equality is unacceptable

“Therefore, equating the periodic vehicle inspection, which is the basis for the traffic and operational safety of motor vehicles on Europe’s roads, with a simple tire change is neither acceptable nor good for the image,” Harb makes clear. His appeal to the ARBÖ managers: “You will certainly understand that we cannot leave your advertising campaign uncommented and find it extremely hindering for our common path to quality-oriented vehicle inspection.”

Rather, it should be “our joint effort” to put the image of this legally required measure in a positive light towards license holders and to confront opponents of “Austrian custom” with a high-quality and comprehensible system.

Like every autumn, the automobile clubs would begin their advertising campaigns to acquire new members, said the Federal Guild Master. This year, however, the previous custom of lowering the membership fee was broken and, among other things, mechanic services were also offered.  

Harb ends his letter with the words: “We hope to be able to count on your support in order to be effectively armed against these emerging “attacks” and can count on the ARBÖ no longer abusing the “Pickerl” for advertising measures in the future.” ARBÖ did not respond by the time of going to press.