Consultation launched into future of Block Exemption

European Commission to draw up 'evaluation report' in May 2021 ahead of Block Exemption expiry in 2023

Consultation launched into future of Block Exemption
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The European Commission has launched a public consultation on Block Exemption regulation which is set to expire on May 31, 2023.

The consultation comes ahead of an official review and possible revision of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (Commission Regulation (EU) No 461/2010).

Currently Block Exemption requires vehicle manufactures to enable access to repair and maintenance data and parts supply to independent garages.

In its consultation, the Commission aims to assess whether and to what extent the objectives of the Block Exemption are fulfilled.

Related: Don’t underestimate Block Exemption, IAAF says in stark warning to UK aftermarket

In a statement, the European Commission said: “The objective of this consultation is to collect in-depth and high quality facts and evidence on the key competition issues arising in vertical relationships on the motor vehicle distribution and after-sales markets from the perspective of stakeholders.”

The regulation mandates the Commission to draw up an evaluation report on its operation by 31 May 2021.

Independent garages can contribute to the consultation by filling in the online questionnaire before its closure on 25 January 2021.

Opinion: Block Exemption is useless if motorists are unaware of it

Last year the Independent Garage Association (IGA) warned its members that the end of Block Exemption regulation as it’s currently known could make access to technical repair data and parts significantly more difficult.

However, the IGA added that: “In reality, as vehicles last longer and are retained for longer, it is unlikely that the franchised sector would have the capacity or commercial offering to keep second and third owners of a vehicle returning to them for service and maintenance.

Related: UK car parc is “older than ever” despite push towards electric vehicles

“2023 might not bring the problems for the independents that some would have us believe, it may well provide those independents prepared to invest in data and equipment with the opportunity of a lifetime.”

The trade body adds that while access to data could be problematic, it expects third party providers to “step in to fill any void”.

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Opinion: A black hole is set to follow autumn’s increased MOT demand

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  • #202217 Reply

    The European Commission has this week launched a public consultation on Block Exemption regulation which is set to expire on May 31, 2023 and is encou
    [See the full post at: Consultation launched into future of Block Exemption]

    #202223 Reply
    Meat-Head
    Blocked

    Ok, so manufacturers are required to supply parts, ring Mercedes
    And try and order full lockset, they will ONLY supply certain parts to their dealer network.

    As for block exception why should it be discontinued!

    Can understand oil/filters having to be genuine for warranty
    Purposes but the rest, you brought it, do what you like.

    If you want to put paper ears on your cat, you dont need its mothers
    Input, likewise its your car you paid for it.

    #202384 Reply
    Mel scott
    Guest

    So tell us why this is, motorist are not aware of the Block exemption , block has been in for 20 years if I’m correct . It’s the government and the trade that’s at fault nothing else

    #202707 Reply
    Don
    Guest

    It’s a bit rich blaming the government. When did you read about it in the national press and if you did, did you understand what they were saying and did they follow it up. . NO. . . EU rules are complex at the best of times and the public should always be made aware of these things in readable and understandable terms, that’s what a free press is for. Unfortunately I still have incidents (last one 10 days ago) where main dealers tell customers they must have the vehicle serviced at the main dealer for the period of warranty to maintain that warranty, The manufacturers are complicit in this as they do not forbid their dealer networks to say such blatant lies. Our industry has sleep walked into this situation in this country and will continue to sleep walk in this way because of the lack value placed on workshops and their output. It’s all about sales, the workshop is seen as an obstacle by the sales team and treated as a black hole of undesirables. The Independent sector can and must continue to play a vital roll in vehicle repair and maintenance sector but we have to be professional. We must have our say, we must maintain the block exemption rules and get them developed so that information parts and training is made available and is always available. The industry should have been licensed 40 years ago but our trade bodies have gone against this for most of that 40 years. If we loose block exemption in 2023 our independent sector will be dead and buried by 2030 and if that happens vehicle ownership will disappear with it, all new technology will be licensed by the manufacturer, vehicles will be leased to the public and dealers will have the monopoly. A scary prospect considering the vast majority of dealers in this country are part of big multinational operations that really want to see things develop in this way as it will guarantee market share and profits. If you think that’s unlikely or unrealistic do nothing and see what happens, if you agree with me in part if not all then rock the boat and make sure we keep block exemption rules and get them strengthened so that Manufacturers cannot dictate the terms. Remember this, government is run by money and manufacturers have plenty of it. The buying publics heart is quickened by good professional service. GET THEM ONSIDE because they elect governments and they are our soldiers and it is still the foot soldiers that make the difference in our world.

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