The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued a warning to the Irish motor industry following reports of anticompetitive practices in the sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles.

In an industry-wide letter, the CCPC has reminded the motor industry across the country that, under competition law, consumers must not be prevented from freely choosing who services or repairs their vehicle, or what parts they use.

The warning follows reports from motorists, who have been prevented or discouraged, from getting their vehicles serviced or repaired by independent garages. In some cases, motorists claim to have been told that their warranty will be void if they have their vehicle serviced or repaired outside an authorised dealership network, or use non-original or non-manufacturer supplied spare parts. Others claim to have been blocked from using independent garages, due to restricted access to essential diagnostic data, or tools which were not made available by the manufacturer or distributor. Such practices can break competition law.

The CCPC has warned that these practices drive up prices, limit choice and harm both consumers and independent garages. The CCPC is seeking information from distributors of motor vehicles in Ireland and has urged them to review and, if necessary, amend any arrangements they have in place.

While formal proceedings have not been instigated against any particular firm at the current time, the CCPC has emphasised that it will take action if illegal practices are identified.

Additionally, the CCPC has informed independent garages of their right to freely repair vehicles, to use non-original spare parts which are of a matching quality, and to access repair and diagnostic tools.

Craig Whelan, director of antitrust at the CCPC, said, “Motorists must be free to choose where they service their vehicles and what parts they use without fear of losing their warranty. Independent garages must not be blocked from accessing essential diagnostic data or tools. These restrictive practices hurt consumers, stifle competition, and unfairly advantage authorised dealerships. We will continue to monitor this issue closely and will take appropriate enforcement action where we believe competition law has been breached.”

The CCPC is urging independent garages to report any experiences of unfair restrictions, including being prevented from accessing essential diagnostic data or tools, by emailing antitrust@ccpc.ie. The CCPC helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on 01-402-5555.