Brussels, 16/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Commission's proposal to liberalise the automotive spare parts market was, as expected, enthusiastically welcomed by independent parts manufacturers but caused disappointment among motor vehicle manufacturers.
On Tuesday, the Commission suggested independent producers should be allowed to copy spare parts used to repair motor vehicles, reviewing the directive on the protection of designs and models (see EUROPE of 15 September, p.10). The decision was adopted after numerous reports and despite opposition raised by French, German and Slovak Commissioners in particular.
In a press release, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), regrets the decision will have an impact on the competitiveness of the European motor industry without clear advantages for consumers. They consider market liberalisation would only benefit companies that produce copies outside Europe and "mainly in Taiwan", and that the safety of motorists is threatened by parts imported without having been subject to the same tests as in the EU. The battle continues to rage, ACEA announces, however, and ACEA General Secretary Ivan Hodac says they will present their arguments and hope the European Parliament and the Council will reach a more balanced and rigorous approach to the matter.
On the other side of the fence, the association representing independent producers, ECAR, is savouring its victory, considering that the Commission's decision is the "right response to a discussion that has been going on for the past ten years". In its view, the new repair clause proposed will give greater legal certainty to producers and strengthen European competitiveness. ECAR therefore calls on the Council and Parliament to "support this solution".