A coalition, comprising automotive trade associations and commercial organisations, has been formed to lobby the UK government on upholding the rights of the independent aftermarket and consumers in the post-Brexit era.

The UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (AFCAR), which derives its name from the European group of the same name, will lobby across a number of policy issues, most notably the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER), Vehicle Type Approval (including access to Repair & Maintenance Information) and Cybersecurity, alongside other issues that affect the competitiveness of the automotive aftermarket and freedom of choice for the motorist and business users.

Participating in a recent round table event with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), UK AFCAR members highlighted the effectiveness of the UK independent automotive aftermarket and its contribution to the UK economy, directly employing over 350,000 skilled staff in around 50,000 locations. Independent repairers provide readily-available, cost-effective, local service, consistently achieving the highest customer satisfaction ratings.

The group will call on the UK Government for the automotive aftermarket to continue to receive independent and direct access to the vehicle and its data, technical information, the ability to supply spare parts that match or exceed original equipment quality, and perform service, maintenance and repair (SMR) work to vehicles as part of an open, competitive and transparent marketplace.

The group is advocating that the ‘principles’ afforded to the independent aftermarket under the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER), which expires in 2023, should be renewed with appropriate modernisation. These principles also apply to the ‘repair and maintenance information’ (RMI) requirements contained in the latest vehicle type approval Regulation (2018/858), which specifically includes access to the vehicle, its data and technical information.

UK AFCAR also reported to the CMA that more replacement spare parts are being taken out of the competitive arena and are being classified as ‘captive’ parts. In response to this it has put forward several recommendations that promote greater choice for the consumer, while at the same time providing independent repairers with direct access to key vehicle functions, including ADAS and EV systems.

Associations and organisations in the new alliance include: ABP (Association of Bodyshop Professionals), GEA (Garage Equipment Association), IAAF (Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation), NTDA (National Tyre Distributors Association), UKLA (UK Lubricants Association), SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) as well as various commercial organisations including the AA and RAC.