Published on 27-05-10
New rules adopted by the European Commission today should see more choice
and better prices for consumers looking to get their cars fixed. The new
competition rules on agreements between vehicle manufacturers and authorised
dealers, repairers and spare part distributors will increase competition in the
market for repair and maintenance by improving access to technical information
needed for the repairs, and making it easier to use alternative spare parts.
The rules will also crack down on manufacturers' abuse of warranties by
requiring cars be serviced only in authorised garages. Repair bills account for
an estimated 40% of the total cost of owning a car and costs have been rising
in recent years. The new rules will also reduce distribution costs for new
cars, which can represent up to 30% of the purchase price.
"I strongly believe the new framework will bring tangible benefits for
consumers by bringing down the cost of repairs and maintenance that represent
an excessive share of the total cost of a car over its lifetime. It will also
reduce the cost of distribution by doing away with overly restrictive
rules," said Vice-President of the Commission and Competition Commissioner
Joaquin Almunia.
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