Brussels - European regulators announced on Thursday they are to shake up the auto services sector, slashing through agreements that tie dealers, repairers and parts providers to manufacturers.
New European Commission rules to open up competition will begin to be applied next week for car maintenance and repairs, and in three years' time for car dealerships.
"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," competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia said in a statement.
The commission estimates that repair bills account for 40% of the total cost of owning a car and the changes will notably allow the regulators "to tackle manufacturers' abuse of warranties when they request that cars are serviced only in authorised garages".
Other complaints Almunia wants to tackle include the "refusal to grant independent repairers access to technical information" and obstacles to repairers wanting access to alternative spare parts.
"Car manufacturers will no longer be able to make warranties conditional on having the oil changed or other car services only in authorised garages." the statement said.
- AFP