The EU is to extend existing Block Exemption regulations by three years until May 2013. The announcement was made in an ‘impact assessment’ report, which recommends extending the regulations covering competition in both new car sales and aftermarket parts distribution. This means that present regulations allowing independents to work on warranty vehicles using matching quality parts, among other things, remain in place.

Independent aftermarket association representatives have broadly welcomed the move, but have stressed that there remains some work to be done to protect the independent sector’s future.

The move has been made to allow EU legislators to put in place new completion laws covering the automotive market from 2013 onwards. As part of this, the report recommends that new rules are created to ensure the aftermarket is not disadvantaged and that motorists’ right to choose where their vehicles are repaired is maintained.

The exact nature that these rules will take is open to question, with the independent sector’s main concern that they may take the form of guidelines rather than a set legal framework. As such, organisations such as the Right to Repair Campaign will fight on and continue to represent the interests of independent garages, motor factors and parts suppliers at EU level.