Currently, you have the right to service and repair your vehicle wherever you wish.

But, in 2010, that right could be removed. If you don’t want to see the competitive service and repair environment disappear, please register your support by signing our online petition.

“We’ve sorted the problem, sir. That’ll be double what you might have paid at an independent car repairer…”

The car service and repair industry is about to change forever. And change for the worse.

That’s because, at the moment, you have the right to service or repair your car wherever you wish. Youmight take it back to the manufacturer. Or maybe you prefer to take your vehicle to an independent repairer.

But, in 2010, when key European legislation is due to disappear, so will your freedom of choice.

Unless we work together now to stop this happening.

So, what’s it to you if independent car garages are about to be driven out of business?

Well, there’s the cost – to you, the vehicle owner – for starters.

Put simply, if the only place you’re able to service or repair your car is at amanufacturer dealership ormanufacturer approved franchise, prepare to be hit hard in the pocket.

In fact, research shows that you can expect your car service and repair costs to be double*.

“Here are your keys, sir – all taken care of. Have a safe 40 mile journey home...”

Significantly increased cost of repairs isn’t the only issue you’ll have to face.

At the moment, there are thousands of independent car repairers to choose from, stretching the length and breadth of the country, with manymost likely conveniently located near to your home or workplace.

But, imagine if that choice was taken away.

Just think if your only option was to drive to the nearest manufacturer dealership or a manufacturer approved outlet.

Almost inevitably, it means you, the motorist, will have a much greater distance to travel to have your vehicle serviced or maintained.

Costing you more in terms of money (increased fuel use) and time.

“Your car’s all sorted, sir. However, I’m afraid the independent garage industry is a complete write off…”

The motorist isn’t the only loser. Think about the effect on the economy.

Almost overnight, any business not tied to a vehicle manufacturer for repair and service will disappear– taking with it literally thousands upon thousands of jobs.

Your local garage. Mechanical and service outlets. Tyre and exhaust centres. Specialists such as electrical and air con. Body repair shops. Even roadside assistance providers - all will suffer.

There’s also those who manufacture and distribute to these businesses – all decimated.

It is,without doubt, the death knell of the entire independent aftermarket.

“Your car’s in perfectworking order now, sir. Although you’ll probably have a problem with the environment shortly…”

There are broader issues at stake here, too. Environmental issues.

We’ve already mentioned how, with ‘approved’ outlets few and far between, you’ll have to usemore fuel getting your vehicle to the place of repair.

Add the further disincentive of soaring repair costs, and it’s clear more and more people will be tempted to service their cars less frequently. This, in turn, will almost certainly see a rise in the number of cars on the road operating inefficiently.

All of which is bound to have a negative impact on the environment. Not to mention road safety levels.

There may be lots of losers. But, be left in no doubt, there’s only one winner. Only one group who will come out of this better off.

And that is the car manufacturer.

“All up and running again, sir. See you again soon (because there’s nowhere else you can go)…”

This is your chance to protect your right to competitive car repair costs. To protect your right to choose where your car is serviced or repaired. To protect the environment.

So, please, give your backing to R2RC.

The first step is to visitwww.r2rc.co.uk and register your support by signing our online petition. It will only take a few seconds of your time, but could go a very long way in helping tomake the campaign a success and helping R2RC achieve its objectives. Even better, why not write to your local MP or MEP – don’t worry, it’s not as difficult or time=consuming as it might sound. In fact, all you have to do is go to ourwebsitewhere you’ll find a sample letter already written for you to either followor download, sign and send off – simplicity itself.

So sign up today. One quick click to stop the bureaucrats in Brussels driving pricesup–and driving the independent service and repair garages out of business.

With the exception of the Vehicle Assemblers and their dealerships it is in everyone’s interest to ensure that R2RC succeeds in its aim – to ensure that the consumers right to chose where they have their vehicle repaired is protected and to ensure that the repair arena remains a competitive one. Write to your MP or MEP today.

*Average hourly rate of independent care repairers is half that of franchised dealerships – SourceGIPA UK Ltd Operation Tate Trends March 2007

Right to Repair Campaign, Forbes House, Halkin Street London SW1X 7DS.