SMMT has welcomed the European Commission’s consultation on the future legal framework for the sale of vehicles and aftersales services following the expiry of the current Block Exemption Regulation in May 2010.
The consultation recommends that the current regulation for the sale of vehicles be extended until 2013, recognising the high level of competition in the motor industry. For the aftermarket, the Commission proposes to adopt sector specific rules from May 2010.
“The Commission’s statement recognises the importance of a smooth transition of the current regulation and a welcome desire to find the optimum solution for the aftermarket,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “There is intense competition in all sectors of the motor industry and it is important that any changes to the regime provide reassurance and stability, particularly during these early stages of economic recovery.”
