Cars have become more and more “computers on wheels”. While technological innovations provide better emissions control, greater safety and more comfort, they have made it increasingly challenging to service or repair a vehicle. Without full and fair access to technical information, multi-brand diagnostic tools and test equipment, replacement parts and training, the independent automotive aftermarket will no longer be able to provide European motorists with the quality service and parts they deserve in the aftermarket care of their vehicles.

This is a very real challenge, as the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (EC) 1400/2002, which is currently in place to protect competition and consumer choice in the parts and repair sector, will expire in 2010, its renewal being uncertain. The Euro 5 Regulation, which will enter into force in September 2009, will cover access to all technical information for newly type-approved vehicles and can thus not fill the gap for the existing vehicle park.

Many local and European policymakers have very limited knowledge of these challenges and of the contribution the independent automotive aftermarket makes to the EU’s economy and society.


Dynamic SMEs in a competitive automotive aftermarket

The 3.5 million people employed in component production, distribution and the servicing of vehicles in Europe’s independent multi-brand automotive aftermarket play a vital role in providing affordable mobility, promoting consumer choice, and maintaining safe and clean vehicles on Europe’s roads. As an example, motorists spend annually approximately 140 billion Euro on components and services (i.e. including labour) for their passenger cars. 665.000 companies, predominantly small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), provide competitive components and quality services in the European aftermarket. There is a need for a regulatory environment that ensures effective competition in the automotive aftermarket, thereby giving these aftermarket SMEs a chance to compete and a chance to stay in business.