• MVBER evaluation acknowledges continuing barriers for independent repairers, but LKQ Europe says meaningful reform must follow 

LKQ Europe has welcomed the European Commission’s evaluation of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER), saying it validates longstanding concerns about independent workshops’ access to the parts, technical information, vehicle data and diagnostic capabilities needed to repair modern vehicles.

Published on 25 June, the evaluation concludes that MVBER remains relevant and continues to support legal certainty and consistent competition rules across Europe.

It also recognizes that independent repairers still face challenges accessing spare parts, technical information and vehicle-generated data, with connected and electric vehicles increasing the importance of digital access.

The evaluation will be followed by an impact assessment considering the future of the regime. LKQ Europe has called for MVBER to be modernized to reflect the growing importance of vehicle data, software, diagnostics and other essential repair inputs.

MVBER helps protect the conditions under which independent workshops, distributors and parts suppliers compete with vehicle manufacturers’ authorized networks. In practice, this can determine whether a workshop can obtain the correct part, access repair information, diagnose a fault or interact with a vehicle’s digital systems.

Kris Van der Plas, Head of Public and Regulatory Affairs at LKQ Europe, said: “It’s encouraging to see the Commission listening to concerns raised by LKQ and the wider independent aftermarket. Its recognition that access to vehicle data, technical information, diagnostics and spare parts remains a competition issue gives us grounds for cautious optimism.

“However, recognizing the problem is only the first step. The next phase must deliver a meaningful and future-proof response. Limited changes to guidance will not be enough if independent operators continue to face barriers in practice.”

LKQ worked with workshops, customers and aftermarket organizations during the Commission’s consultation to bring practical repair-sector evidence into the policymaking process.

Its submission included 16 detailed examples provided by LKQ and its customers. These covered incompatible parts following vehicle manufacturer software updates, restricted access to specialist components, difficulties obtaining repair information and workshops having to challenge manufacturers over access to original equipment systems.

LKQ Europe said these contributions helped move the debate beyond legal theory and towards the realities of repairing modern vehicles.

It has also urged the Commission to examine how MVBER interacts with legislation including the Data Act and vehicle Type Approval rules, without assuming these measures have resolved every competition concern. This should include barriers involving intellectual property rights, trademarks and digital controls that can restrict access to alternative parts.

Andy Hamilton, President and Executive Managing Director of LKQ Europe, said: “For Europe’s workshops, this affects whether technicians can complete repairs efficiently, retain work and offer motorists a genuine choice.

“As vehicles become more connected, electrified and software-driven, the competition framework must keep pace. Independent workshops must be able to invest, innovate and compete on fair terms. That is essential for a strong European aftermarket and affordable mobility.”

LKQ Europe will continue engaging with the Commission, its customers and wider aftermarket stakeholders during the impact-assessment process, advocating for fair access to the essential inputs required to repair Europe’s vehicles.