Motorists and businesses under threat from EU changes

publication date: Sep 11, 2008

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author/source: Robin Roberts

Millions of motorists face higher bills for car repairs and servicing if EU Block Exemption ends as widely predicted.

It’s abolition will mean manufacturers will no longer have to provide model parts and information to independent garages.

These garages are typically cheaper than franchise dealers, but without the information they will be unable to service and repair vehicles meaning that motorists will have to have their vehicles fixed at main dealers, where charges are up to 40pc more.

The AA believes the changes, which will take effect from 2010 when the current Block Exemption expires, could hit 20 million motorists with thousands of independent garages closing.

A European Commission spokesman said people buying new cars from 2010 would be protected by competition laws.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said it would bring in a ‘code of practice’ to protect independent garages.