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European Commission Debates Right to Repair Design Protection DirectiveThe European Commission is today debating Internal Trade Commissioner Frits Bolkestein’s plans for liberalising the €10bn market for car parts, by forcing those member states whose legislation still protects car manufacturers' exclusive right to manufacture and sell visible replacement parts to harmonise their legislation with that of member states including the UK, which allow independent producers to compete in the aftermarket.
The EC estimates that visible parts are up to 10 per cent cheaper in countries that have opened up their markets to alternative parts producers, and that independent parts manufacturers account for less than 15 per cent of the EU market.
The draft directive would end design protection in respect of the aftermarket, though car manufacturers would retain all rights regarding parts built into new cars.
Up to 10 European commissioners are thought to be opposed to the plans, including commissioners from Germany, France, Portugal and Slovakia where manufacturers and unions representing their workforces have lobbied against the plans - as well as the commissioner for enterprise. They do not have enough votes to block the proposals, but might succeed in winning at least some protection for carmakers.
ACEA members have argued that the plans would cost them €2.5bn (£1.7bn) a year in revenue, and warn
more: www.autoindustry.co.uk/news/indus... (45)
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18/9/2004 | Viewed 5,253 time(s)
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