Let’s, however, slow down a bit. What exactly is Block Exemption and why does it affect your repair costs?
Block Exemption means that the automotive manufacturers must provide both parts and computerised repair information to independent garages so that they can complete repairs on vehicles that they service.
In addition, owners who have their vehicles repaired by these independent garages are still entitled to their warranty coverage from the original manufacturer as long as the parts used for repair match the original specification and that the manufacturer’s service schedule is followed.
Block Exemption also allowed multi-brand showrooms to be setup which allows for better comparison of prices across Europe on new cars. It also promotes cross-border trading and competition.
Since 2002, Block Exemption has been in effect and has enabled thousands of independent garages across the country to effectively compete with the manufacturers’ dealerships to pass significant savings onto their customers. On average, these garages charge customers up to 40% less than the manufacturers’ dealerships for an equivalent repair.
The EU is likely to do away with Block Exemption in 2010, because it is felt that it is unnecessary and that regulations for new vehicles are now in place to make sure this information is available to independent garages.
However, organisations such as the AA believe that these laws are inadequate to cover all circumstances. Of particular concern is the ability to access information for cars that are already in service.
The AA also believes that repair costs could increase dramatically if Block Exemption is eliminated since competition would be limited and that the number of independent garages may decline.
It is estimated that as many as 20 million motorists could be affected by increased repair costs by this change to EU Block Exemption policy.
In response to concerns over the possibility increased costs to consumers, the independent automotive aftermarket has started the Right to Repair Campaign to help lobby for support to extend Block Exemption. To find out more information, visit their website at www.r2rc.co.uk.
Block Exemption means that the automotive manufacturers must provide both parts and computerised repair information to independent garages so that they can complete repairs on vehicles that they service.
In addition, owners who have their vehicles repaired by these independent garages are still entitled to their warranty coverage from the original manufacturer as long as the parts used for repair match the original specification and that the manufacturer’s service schedule is followed.
Block Exemption also allowed multi-brand showrooms to be setup which allows for better comparison of prices across Europe on new cars. It also promotes cross-border trading and competition.
Since 2002, Block Exemption has been in effect and has enabled thousands of independent garages across the country to effectively compete with the manufacturers’ dealerships to pass significant savings onto their customers. On average, these garages charge customers up to 40% less than the manufacturers’ dealerships for an equivalent repair.
The EU is likely to do away with Block Exemption in 2010, because it is felt that it is unnecessary and that regulations for new vehicles are now in place to make sure this information is available to independent garages.
However, organisations such as the AA believe that these laws are inadequate to cover all circumstances. Of particular concern is the ability to access information for cars that are already in service.
The AA also believes that repair costs could increase dramatically if Block Exemption is eliminated since competition would be limited and that the number of independent garages may decline.
It is estimated that as many as 20 million motorists could be affected by increased repair costs by this change to EU Block Exemption policy.
In response to concerns over the possibility increased costs to consumers, the independent automotive aftermarket has started the Right to Repair Campaign to help lobby for support to extend Block Exemption. To find out more information, visit their website at www.r2rc.co.uk.