The European Commission has launched a public consultation on its new draft Block Exemption programme, to apply to vehicle repair and maintenance services. In broad terms, the proposals would maintain and strengthen existing block exemption rules in the aftermarket, while allowing the vehicle sales sector to move to more general competition rules by May 2013.

Competition commissioner Neelie Kroes said, “Our analysis has shown that competition is fierce as regards car sales, so we have no reason to treat this sector differently from any other. In contrast, we found the repair and maintenance market more prone to competition problems. This is why we propose to keep specific rules in this area."

The Commission proposes limiting the benefit of the Block Exemption for service and repair agreements, to operators with a market share of up to 30%. This will make it easier to prevent carmakers from sheltering their repair networks against independent competition, by methods such as with holding technical information.

Rules with regard to the use of parts of matching quality and the maintenance of vehicle warranties after independent work will also be retained and strengthened. The current motor vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (1400/2002) is due to expire in May 2010. Bodies campaigning for new rules in the independent aftermarket have broadly welcomed the new proposals.