Brussels, 26/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - There was considerable comment from circles concerned on the European Commission's adoption, on 17 July, of the Motor Vehicle Distribution Regulation to take effect on 1 October (see EUROPE of 18 July, p.7). Views expressed include:
The Association Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) notes that the Commission has taken account of the fact that the profession of motor vehicle manufacturer entails specific responsibilities towards customers with regard to mobility, environment protection and safety. In this respect, it welcomes the fact that motor vehicles are considered as specific consumer goods requiring a specific system of distribution. The ACEA also stresses the possibility of choosing the system of distribution of their products, their distributors, and the criteria for authorising repairers. It regrets, however, certain provisions that "introduce a number of significant changes and create a new environment where it will be more demanding to preserve the interests of motorists and consumers at large".
The "Alliance International de Tourisme" (AIT) and the "Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile" (FIA) welcome the measures taken by the Commission to introduce more competitive choice in reliable car maintenance and repair products and services. Thus, the provisions on non-discriminatory access to technical information, tools and equipment needed by all independent service providers are particularly appreciated. The same is true for access to the profession which will be more open and which, according to AIT and FIA, will contribute to providing high quality roadside assistance. To date, automobile associations responsible for roadside emergency servicing had to find the nearest approved dealer. The new rules will allow greater mobility in the choice of repairer.
The European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs (CECRA) is of a mitigated opinion. Above all, it regrets the abolition, without revision, of the Location Clause which, it believes, will speed up the phasing out of small and medium sized enterprises in the motor business. It also disapproves of reorganisation of the link between sales and after sales service and considers that there is not sufficient protection for the enormous investment made by dealers and repairers. CECRA welcomes, on the other hand, the greater commercial independence of dealers vis-à-vis their manufacturers. It is also delighted that the new Regulation does not open the way to parallel sales via supermarket outlets and the Internet and that, on the contrary, it allows the dealer and the repairer to sub-contract business to other dealers or repairers.
The European Association of Independent Distributors of Automotive Spare Parts (CLEDIPA) applauded the new Regulation. CLEDIPA welcomes the liberalisation of spare parts distribution which guarantees greater transparency for consumers. It also welcomes the possibility for independent repairers to have access to all technical information. Hartmut Röhl, CLEDIPA President, thus considers: "The European Commission has now adjusted European legislation to the needs of modern repair. It has created prerequisites providing independent repairers a fair opportunity to compete with franchise repairers associated with automobile manufacturers' network and providing consumers an efficient supply and repair alternative".
The European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) states it is "broadly satisfied" with the reform which is a "first step in unblocking the car market" and "will enable consumers to benefit from lower prices for new cars and for quality servicing". More specifically, BEUC congratulates the Commission for standing firm on multibranding, facilitating access to spare parts and technical information for independent repairers and on softening the link between sales and servicing. It regrets, however, "that consumers will have to wait until 2005 to reap the full benefits of the reform".