Study on the operation of the system of access to vehicle repair and maintenance information : final report

It is generally recognised that there is fierce competition between vehicle manufacturers in the market for new car sales. However, once a vehicle has been purchased, competition on the markets for repair and maintenance is less intense. Thus, independent operators are needed to increase consumer choice and provide competition for vehicle manufacturer networks in the aftermarket. This is expected to lead to lower costs to consumers for repair and maintenance, which are thought to represent a significant share of total consumer expenditure on motor vehicles. In order to compete in the vehicle repair market, independent operators must be able to access vehicle repair and maintenance information (RMI). Vehicle RMI is required to carry out a very broad range of operations related to maintaining a car throughout its lifetime. This technical information is increasingly important due to the greater complexity of vehicles, growing number of parts and more use of on-board electronics. Vehicle manufacturers are required under European legislation to ensure that independent operators have easy, restriction-free and standardised access to vehicle RMI under Regulation 715/2007 (the "Euro 5" Regulation) and related implementing and amending acts. This study aims to assess the operation of the system of access to vehicle RMI in the European Union, as well as its effects on competition, the internal market, environment and safety. Ultimately the Regulation on access to RMI aims to protect consumer choice, allowing an owner to take their vehicle to whichever outlet they choose. For example, consumers may prefer a garage due to its proximity, long-standing relationship, turn-around times and numerous other factors that may vary between authorised and independent repairers. Nevertheless, this freedom of choice should not come at the cost of vehicle performance or safety.