The European Parliament has adopted the Compromise Package on the Vehicle Type-Approval Framework Regulation during the Plenary session held in Strasbourg on 19th April 2018.
The package includes clarifications on access to Repair and Maintenance Information, ensuring independent garages can remain on a level playing field with franchised dealerships, when it comes to servicing new vehicles.
Prior to the vote, Rapporteur Dalton (ECR/UK) said that this legislation was a strong EU wide response to the Dieselgate scandal and will make cars safer and cleaner, ensuring at the same time that a Diesel scandal can’t happen again.
In addition he said: “Consumers also rely on an independent and healthy aftermarket for local and good quality services. This has been a key issue for me as lead negotiator. I am pleased to have achieved improved access to manufacturers’ information for independent repairers. This makes the market stronger for the benefit of consumers”.
As previously mentioned, the text adopted includes clarifications on access to Repair and Maintenance Information (RMI). For example:
- The continued possibility to communicate with the vehicle’s technical information/data via the standardised on-board diagnostic connector, when the vehicle is stationary and in motion (for read-out only), which is now better clarified;
- The information needed for preparation of vehicles for roadworthiness testing has been included into the RMI definition, as many consumers bring their vehicles to a workshop for preparation before undergoing the periodic inspection;
- An adaptation of the format of the RMI to the state-of-the-art, which means the technical repair and also the spare parts identification information can also be obtained in an electronically processable form.
This was the final vote in the European Parliament. The text is now expected to be voted by the Council of Ministers without debate in a future meeting on an as yet unknown date.
For a link to Daniel Dalton’s full speech click here.
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