The motor industry has had its own block exemption for many years. It covers ‘the ‘purchase, sale or re-sale of new motor vehicles, spare parts for motor vehicles or repair and maintenance services for motor vehicles.’

The Regulation also allows independents to obtain from vehicle manufacturers technical information required for the service or repair of their vehicles.

Block exemption applies to all motor vehicles with three or more road wheels – so vans, trucks, buses, coaches and motorhomes are all included, as well as cars.

‘The Block Exemption Regulation’ is properly described as ‘Commission Regulation No 1400/2002 of 31 July, 2002 on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices in the motor vehicle sector’.

This Regulation expires in 2010. Its operation will be reviewed during 2008, after which the Commission will say if it proposes to renew the Regulation (with or without changes) for a further period.