A week ago on Friday marked a pivotal moment for the European automotive aftermarket as the public consultation on the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) officially closed. LKQ Europe was proud to make a substantial submission in the best interests of the independent aftermarket – and it’s one we believe speaks for suppliers, repairers, and motorists alike.

Why MVBER matters – and why it must evolve

MVBER exists to preserve healthy competition in vehicle repair and maintenance – particularly by preventing anti-competitive behaviours from vehicle manufacturers (VMs) that limit access to parts, tools, data and training.

When we surveyed 1,720 independent workshops across 11 countries back in 2022, the results were loud and clear: restrictions are growing. From data and diagnostics to captive parts and warranty confusion, independent operators are still too often left fighting with one hand tied behind their back.

And while the 2023 iteration of MVBER made progress, technology, business models and consumer habits are evolving rapidly. Through in-depth interviews with top-performing workshops in Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Czech Republic at the end of 2024, we uncovered six key realities that highlight what still needs to change:

• Direct parts supply isn’t guaranteed: while buying from authorised dealers works in principle, delays and agency models still create barriers.
• Access to repair and maintenance information (RMI) is inconsistent: a third of workshops report difficulty accessing up-to-date or complete info.
• RMI licensing is expensive and fragmented, often costing workshops thousands of euros each year – costs passed to the customer.
• Discrimination in access conditions remains prevalent, with authorised dealers getting better terms.
• VIN and QR code access is patchy, with one in three workshops facing issues.
• Warranty misinformation is rampant: up to 80% of workshops report needing to educate consumers that using independents doesn't void warranties.

Thank you for your input

To the workshops across Europe who contributed real-world evidence to our submission – thank you. Your cases bring the issues to life in a way no statistic ever could. Here are just a few:

• NOx sensor incompatibility: parts failure post-installation due to uncommunicated VM software updates – costing time, money, and trust.
• Warranty evasion: a VM refused a valid claim because maintenance was done by an authorised (but independent) garage.
• Blocked access to special parts: VMs reserving discounted warranty parts for themselves – leaving independents priced out.
• Unfair warranty practices post-franchise: a former dealer lost the ability to service customers fully once de-franchised – undermining their business and customer trust.
• Stonewalling on RMI access: one workshop spent eight months fighting for legal access to OE systems after VM pushback.

Our 10 key issues and proposals

In our submission, we outlined 10 major challenges – and practical ways the MVBER can address them:

1. Access to vehicle data Problem: OEMs tightly control vehicle-generated data. Proposal: Make diagnostic and software update data essential inputs, with standardised access for independents.
2. Preventive maintenance Problem: This growing segment isn’t clearly defined in MVBER. Proposal: Include it explicitly in the regulation’s definitions of technical information.
3. Anti-competitive agency models Problem: New sales models restrict access to parts/tools. Proposal: Prohibit agency contracts from discriminating against independents.
4. Bundled mobility offers Problem: Tied services discourage use of independents. Proposal: Require consumer choice to be protected in bundled offerings.
5. Electrification skills gap Problem: Independents need affordable EV training/tools. Proposal: Mandate equivalent-cost access to all EV-specific education and equipment.
6. Remote repair recognition Problem: Current definitions don’t cover off-site diagnostics. Proposal: Update the definition of 'independent repairer' to include remote work.
7. Access to captive parts Problem: Distributors are excluded from key parts. Proposal: Enshrine non-discriminatory access in MVBER and related guidance.
8. Warranty clarity and abuse Problem: VMs perpetuate consumer confusion to lock out independents. Proposal: Demand transparent, uniform warranty communication – and penalise violations.
9. Recall campaign discrimination Problem: Only authorised dealers can handle recalls. Proposal: Allow qualified independents to participate in recall campaigns.
10. Enforcement Problem: MVBER rules often exist only on paper. Proposal: Introduce direct obligations and annual compliance reporting to the Commission.

Looking ahead: what true fairness means

Fair competition is not just about having rules – it’s about having enforceable rights. We believe four principles must underpin a truly level playing field:

• Equal access to technical and vehicle-generated data
• Transparent and enforceable warranty rights
• Freedom to trade in all spare parts
• Genuine choice for motorists, with independents able to compete fairly

But we also must be forward-looking. The increasing use of bundled services, the proliferation of EVs, the shift to agency models, and the misuse of cybersecurity are reshaping our industry. If MVBER isn’t adapted to account for these, competition will suffer – and so will consumers.

This isn’t about favouring one side or another. It’s about protecting the open, diverse and dynamic aftermarket that Europe’s motorists rely on. We hope the Commission agrees – and we thank every workshop, distributor and partner who helped build our case.