Posted 22/09/09
At long last the European Union has published its ideas for replacement of Block Exemption (Impact Assessment). However, they have not made a simple, easy decision. The right to repair campaign is at present trying to interpret exactly what the conclusions mean for out industry (see Press Release, below).
The general feeling is we are cautiously optimistic that the commission has recognised that some form of protection for the independent aftermarket is a necessity. In layman's terms they will be splitting the market into Primary (Vehicle Assemblers and Dealers) and Secondary (Aftermarket). They are suggesting that different rules will apply to these sections.
The Primary market rules will stay in place until 2013; In the case of the Secondary markets, new regulations will be introduced for May 2010. What is unclear is exactly what form they will take. The European Union has asked for additional information to be submitted by 25Th September 2009.
We are, at the present time, putting together our response. the focus will be about access to technical information, training and tools, access to commissioning codes, access to captive parts (dealer only) and loopholes relating to servicing in the vehicle manufacturers warranty, parts and warranty insurance policies extended by vehicle manufacturers.
Those who wish to get the full communication from the European Union can access it via the Right to Repair website (www.r2rc.co.uk) under Latest BER information'.
In conclusion, whilst the initial battle has been won, we have not won the war!
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Press Release
R2RC welcomes EU's focus on aftermarket The UK Right to Repair Campaign (UK R2RC) has welcomed the EU's recent proposal for a new 'Competition Law Framework applicable to the motor vehicle sector'. It is extremely encouraged by the Commission's focus on the aftermarket and its clear recognition of, and wish to remove, the consumer detriment that has arisen from gaps in the present framework, particularly mentioning 'abuse of warranties'. Jim Mazza, Chairman of UK R2RC, said: "The UK R2RC Strategy Group is cautiously optimistic that the ultimate outcome will be a level playing field for everyone in the repair and maintenance arena, which will ensure freedom of choice of motorists. "However", he added, "There is no room for complacency. Although the issues are clearly identified, there is no detail of how they will be dealt with. The new legislation must clearly address core requirements, such as access to technical information, training and tools, access to commissioning warranties. UK R2RC would strongly support a robust aftermarket-specific Block Exemption Regulation (BER) dealing with these core issues, backed up by supplementary guidelines. UK R2RC will consider the Communication in detail and submit its comments to the Commission before the deadline of 25 September, 2009. We hope that individual R2RC supporters will also respond to the Commission," he said. |
Source: Camberley Auto Factors magazine Independent Issue 49/Sept 09