Car manufacturers have in the past tried to stop the aftermarket supplying pattern parts and so protect their high profit margins. This in turn would have an adverse affect on the budget / enthusiast who could not afford the high price of replacement OEM components. They have also tried, and failed in the past to prevent the home mechanic working on his vehicle. However by building with increasing technology requiring specialised equipment they are effectively winning this battle slowly.
Not content with this they are now trying to prevent the Independent garages from servicing new vehicles by not renewing the Block Exemption regulations, which allowed the owner to shop around for servicing. Under the BER the Manufacturers had to allow access to information required by the Independents to service and maintain vehicles effectively.
If this were to happen then the aftermarket parts supply would be crippled and it would not be cost effective to research and produce components to supply to the much smaller enthusiast market. Likewise existing components would have to become dearer to survive.
Quote from the ‘ Right to Repair’ website :-
“The Right to Repair Campaign has been created by the independent automotive aftermarket in response to potential changes in legislation in Europe that could drive all repair work into the vehicle manufacturers’ franchised dealerships.
The current Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation includes sector-specific rules on competition, but this expires in 2010 and unless it is renewed and improved, leaves scope for the manufacturers to make it increasingly difficult for the independent repairer to diagnose and fix faults.”
The current situation can be checked here :-
FIGIEFA Position Paper’s
Only affect people with new cars? Don’t forget all cars were new once, if the info isn’t out there when new it will be impossible to maintain later.
Visit their website and give them your support, ACE will be watching developments on your behalf.
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