EC Treaty Art.81(3): application to vertical agreements and concerted practices in motor vehicle industry

The committee adopted the own-initiative report by Werner KONRAD (EPP-ED, D) in response to the draft Commission regulation on reviewing the application of EU competition rules to the motor industry. It suggested a number of amendments to the proposal (even though Parliament had not been officially consulted thereon) relating to the link between distributors and car repairers, showroom sales of various makes, spare parts, legal contracts and a timetable for the new system. One amendment urged a delay until at least 1 October 2005 (instead of October 2003) regarding the freedom of dealers to establish themselves in other Member States. MEPs believed the Commission should also have to prove that such freedom was needed to ensure cross-border competition. The committee's aim was to give small and medium-size dealers a longer adjustment period. The committee also tabled an amendment seeking to ensure that after-sales services, if subcontracted, would be provided close to the distributor. Another amendment sought to prevent a free-for-all and would allow manufacturers to limit the number of repairers. As far as dealers were concerned, the committee also proposed amendments designed to promote wider choice of different brands in showrooms. Other amendments related to legal guarantees to ensure consumer protection in the new environment. �