• Vehicle Servicing - We are continuously investing in the latest technology and equipment to ensure that our fully equipped workshop maintains the very highest standards. We are especially proud of our state of the art diagnostic computers, which help us to offer fast, reliable and efficient service. (Click here for prices Etc)

• MOT's - We also have an automated service and MOT reminder system, which conveniently notifies our customers via post of these important dates (especially useful for companies with a small fleet of cars). (Click here for info)

• Bodyshop - Our body shop is capable of any type of repair ranging from minor car park dents to major insurance repairs. The main aim of the workshop is to relieve the distress from a distressful situation.

• Tyre Bay - Our fully equipped tyre bay is located on the upper level (ground floor) and we are able to offer regular tyre replacement, puncture repairs (subject to type of tyre) wheel balancing and car tracking Garage Services. (Click here for info)

• Vehicle Sales - We have a regularly changing stock of pre-owned cars and new Micro Cars (Click here to view current stock)

• Parts Department - Our parts department carries a wide selection of regular vehicle ancillaries and we specialise in Peugeot, Citroen & Renault parts. (Click here for info)
  Classic Car Repairs - (click here for info)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

For motorists, garages and parts suppliers Including: Car Servicing   during the warranty period and beyond

Parts Supply and Parts Quality

In October 2003 European Union legislation affecting the motor trade came into force.  Its full title is ‘Block Exemption Regulations 1400/2002’ (in short ‘BER’).

This legislation changes the way cars may be serviced and repaired and gives motorists a lot more freedom in their decision as to who should look after their cars.

Before BER, it was difficult to have cars, which were still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, serviced anywhere except a franchised dealer.

Now motorists can use any garage of their choice to service their cars without invalidating the manufacturer’s warranty. *

* Subject to certain conditions

The latest revision of the BER introduces four ‘freedoms’ that are aimed at safeguarding free competition in the entire market for vehicle spare parts, service and repair.  They affect the way in which the parts distributor can act in the market.

1.      Freedom for a franchised dealer and/or an ‘authorised repairer’ to purchase up to 70% of their purchases of ‘original spare parts’ and ‘matching quality’ spare parts from independent market operators of their choice.

This Means: Parts Factors can supply parts of appropriate quality to Dealers and authorised repairers without the Vehicle Manufacturer /Assembler using dealer/repairer contracts or other means to prevent them.

2.      The freedom for parts manufacturers/suppliers to sell their OE-components without

restrictions into independent wholesalers or independent repairers.

This Means: Parts manufacturers can no longer be forced by their ‘OE’ contract to limit supply of certain parts to the Vehicle Manufacturer/Assembler.  The end of the ‘tied parts’ arrangements.

3.      The freedom for parts manufacturers/suppliers to brand their ‘original equipment

parts’ with their own logo.

This Means: Motorists and garages will be able to identify the manufacturer of a component when it is removed from a vehicle and source its replacement from any distributor of the part.  They will no longer feel that they ‘have’ to go to a dealer for a part.

4.      An extension to the obligation on vehicle assemblers to pass on technical information

to operators in the independent aftermarket.  This information includes for instance:

·         Access to electronic systems for controlling the vehicle’s operation

·         Right of “reprogramming” information to correct maladjustment

     This Means: Anyone with a legitimate need for technical information – parts

      manufacturers – remanufacturers – distributors – factors – garages – technical

      publishers – security companies – will have right of access to it in a usable form and

      at a reasonable cost (the same cost as charged to anyone within the VA’s network)

      The new BER also introduces certain definitions of importance to the independent 

      aftermarket.

There is a new definition of ‘original spare parts’ and ‘matching quality parts’ that is based on the quality of the component.  This is definition can be used:

·         Where parts are used are of the same quality as the component used for the assembly of a motor vehicle.

·         Where parts are used are of the same specifications and production standards as those used by the Vehicle Assemblers.

·         Where parts manufacturers/suppliers are able to issue a quality (self-) certification.

The new definition identifies ‘original spare parts’ in the following ways.

·         Parts produced directly by the vehicle assembler.

·         Components produced by the OE-supplier and branded with the logo(s) of the vehicle manufacturer and the parts manufacturer/supplier;

·         Technically identical parts produced by the parts supplier, branded with his own logo and sold to the independent aftermarket.

Spare parts of ‘matching quality’ identifies parts in the following way:

·         Spare parts made by any undertaking which can certify at any moment that the parts in question match the quality of the components which are or were used for the assembly of the motor vehicles in question.’

An interesting point is that if the vehicle manufacturer himself offers spare parts of differing quality (e.g. an ‘economy’ line), he cannot prohibit its contractual partners (i.e. dealers and authorised repairers) from buying spare parts of the same quality from the independent market.

The BER also covers service and maintenance during the warranty period and prohibits vehicle manufacturers’ warranties from including conditions requiring that:

·         All normal maintenance be provided within the vehicle makers’ network,

·         All parts used must be the VA’s “original spare parts”

The European Commission declared that such clauses in a warranty document would represent ‘an unjustified restriction for the consumer!’

The ADF have written confirmation from OFT that:

Independent repairers CAN carry out normal maintenance and repair Garage Services during a vehicle’s warranty period without invalidating the VA’s warranty conditions.  With two provisos…

Provided: that the service is in accordance with the VA’s servicing schedules and is recorded as such.  And…

Provided: that the parts used are of ‘appropriate quality’ and are recorded as such.

Don’t forget, the new BER helps parts distributors, independent garage and motorists.

If you need more information on this topic, or if you have any evidence of Vehicle Assemblers or their dealers infringing these new rules, then contact the ADF office.

Note: This leaflet is intended to introduce interested parties to the topic of BER.  It should not be taken as a definition of the law or proposed laws.  Whilst every care has been taken in the complication of this leaflet, the ADF can accept no liability for any event from its use.

Source by the Automotive Distribution

Federation Limited

68 Coleshill Road, Hodge Hill

Birmingham

B36 8AB

Tel. 0121-784 3535 www.adf.org.uk