CCPC warns motor industry on repairs
The competition watchdog has issued a warning to the Irish motor industry after reports of anti-competitive practices in the sale, maintenance, and repair of motor vehicles.
In a letter to those involved in the industry, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has stated that, under competition law, consumers must not be prevented from freely choosing who services or repairs their vehicle, or what parts they use.
The move follows reports from motorists who have been prevented or discouraged from getting their vehicles serviced or repaired by independent garages.
Restricted access
In some cases, according to the CCPC, motorists claim to have been told that their warranty will be void if they have their vehicle serviced or repaired outside an authorised dealership network or use non-original or non-manufacturer supplied spare parts.
Others claim to have been blocked from using independent garages due to restricted access to essential diagnostic data or tools that were not made available by the manufacturer or distributor.
The commission says that such practices can break competition law, as well as increase prices, limit choice, and harm both consumers and independent garages.
Distributors urged to review arrangements
The CCPC says that it is seeking information from motor distributors in Ireland and has urged them to review and, if necessary, amend any arrangements they have in place.
It warns that, while formal proceedings have not been instigated against any firm yet, it will take action if illegal practices are identified.
Additionally, the CCPC has told independent garages that they have a right to freely repair vehicles, to use non-original spare parts that are of a matching quality, and to access repair and diagnostic tools.
Call for reports
Craig Whelan (CCPC director of antitrust) said that motorists must be free to choose where they serviced their vehicles and what parts they used, without fear of losing their warranty.
“We will continue to monitor this issue closely and will take appropriate enforcement action where we believe competition law has been breached,” he concluded.
The CCPC is urging independent garages to report any experiences of unfair restrictions to it.