EU rules for 2013
July 23rd, 2009 by Richard Aucock
EU ministers have announced the current Block Exemption Regulation should be extended until 2013.
The current deal runs out in May next year.
But, so pleased is the EU with how things are running at the moment, it sees no need to change anything surrounding the sale of new cars.
Levels of car dealer competition, it seems, are fine.
To the delight of SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. ‘The Commission’s statement recognises the importance of a smooth transition of the current regulation.
‘The Commission has recognised the high level of competition in the motor industry and this decision gives much needed reassurance and stability to the market during the current economic difficulties.’
Changes, however, may come in the aftermarket arena. The EU’s deciding whether general competition rules are enough, or whether it should introduce sector-specific regulations.
It will be asking the industry for help with this – and has given car dealers until September to respond. It represents ‘a welcome desire to find the optimum solution for the aftermarket,’ said Everitt.
But what are the benefits to your customers from all of these competition regulations? Well, they have:
• Access to a wide product offer
• A dense network of highly qualified service providers
• Very competitive prices
• ‘Significantly narrowed’ price differences between EU countries
Industry aid plan ‘serious concerns’
Tags: block exemption, competition, EU, SMMT