Revised Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order also safeguards motorists’ freedom of choice

UK AFCAR, the lobbying coalition which includes UK trade federations and commercial organisations, has secured critical gains in the revised Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MV-BEO).

In the accompanying guidelines, UK AFCAR has secured full access to data, repair and maintenance information from vehicle manufacturers for independent garages and parts manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.

Software and coding must now be made available to ensure a workshop’s ability to complete vehicle repairs.

This will safeguard competition within the aftermarket, as well as maintain freedom of choice for millions of UK motorists.

The previous Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MVBER) expired on 31 May 2023.

The months of intense lobbying by members of UK AFCAR also created significant improvements, including clearer definitions to support the way vehicles are diagnosed, repaired and maintained. 

Jim Lang, managing director of Garage Services Online, the aftermarket’s leading website provider, said: “What a fantastic achievement for UK AFCAR and its members. The revised MV-BEO is critical to the ongoing growth of the independent automotive aftermarket.

“The previous uncertainty about the ongoing access to information was distracting and unhelpful. Garage owners needed to know they can just get on with doing what they do best. Now, thanks to this landmark achievement, they can!”