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The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation

UK AFCAR pushes for aftermarket inclusion in MP’s vehicle tampering debate

Date: Friday 08 April 2022

Within the transport regulatory review, the UK Government is proposing to legislate to avoid ‘tampering’ with a vehicle in a way that would render the vehicle non-compliant with its original vehicle type approval. A parliamentary debate will be held on Monday 25 April at 16.30.

UK AFCAR’s concern is that great care is needed to avoid discriminating against the aftermarket. The legitimate process to repair and maintain a vehicle in the 30,000+ independent workshops that support the UK consumers’ competitive choice and affordable mobility is not explicitly included.

Therefore, this legitimate process to repair and maintain a vehicle should not be compromised by the requirements of this legislation. It would be important that this aspect is covered directly by legislative text, so we suggest a more precise definition for non-compliance below:

“The fitment and integration into a vehicle of replacement parts or software shall be considered legitimate unless they directly alter the original design and functionality of that vehicle to a level which would no longer allow compliance with that vehicle’s original vehicle type approval.”

To enable the independent parts manufacturers to do this, they will need access to the technical details of these parts and components. So, we suggest a modified paragraph based on the existing legislation (EU2018/858 Chapter XIV article 61) be used:

“For the purposes of manufacturing and servicing of compatible replacement or service parts and diagnostic tools and test equipment that are assessed under the vehicle’s original type approval, manufacturers shall provide the relevant vehicle information and vehicle repair and maintenance information on a non-discriminatory basis to any interested manufacturer or repairer of parts, components, diagnostic tools or test equipment.”

UK AFCAR is a coalition, formed by IAAF, comprising automotive trade associations and commercial organisations to lobby the UK government on upholding the rights of the independent aftermarket and consumers in the post-Brexit era.