COMMENT Ell's data bombshell
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Vehicle manufacturers will have to release techinical data to independent workshops if the EU's block exemption proposals are adopted.
The proposals, drafted by the EU competition commission, will renew block exemption for 10 years with a review after five. But the vehicle manufacturers would have to provide diagnostic and other information to independent repair shops with the appropriate equipment.
Reg Patrick of the ADF, which represents component suppliers and distributors, welcomes the move. "It's what we have been asking for and a very good move on behalf of the independent workshops and at the end of the day the consumer and the environment," he says. "From the operator's point of view any monopoly on parts or service can only result in higher prices."
However, according to Mark Greven, director of legal affairs with the vehicle manufacturers association (ACEA), the move "worries all vehicle manufacturers very much".The ACEA is certain to oppose the proposals, probably on the grounds that the manufacturers will not be able to provide continuing updates and training to non-franchised workshops.
The wording of the legislation is crucial as the vehicle manufacturers could argue that only a workshop with the dedicated diagnostic computer (Modus, Diagnostica and so on) has the "appropriate equipment".
By the end of the year Sun Electric expects to be importing vehicle service data from its US stablemate, All-Data. America's Freedom of Information laws ensure that this data is readily available: Sun Electric will incorporate it into its diagnostic equipment.