Europeans can now expect more freedom of choice when choosing their automotive repair shops following a landmark decision ruled in favour of independent service providers.
The Court of Justice ruling over Secure Gateways in vehicles aims to reinforce the importance of a fair and level playing field in the automotive aftermarket and the benefits this brings to consumers.
The court found independent service providers are key in driving competition and providing consumer choice, and today’s decision will ensure this remains the case.
The decision from the Regional Court of Cologne re-affirms the principles established by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on 5 October, 2023, in the matter of Secure Gateways.
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Certain aftermarket services, including recalibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (“ADAS”) following windscreen replacement or solving problems indicated by a warning lamp, require access to a car data stream.
Some repairers are finding it increasingly difficult to access this data as they encounter technical hurdles and requiring payment of licence fees.
Across the world the the issue has caused conflict as it potentially adds costs and affects free competition in the aftermarket and consumers’ freedom of choice, and can lead to higher prices for consumers.
In the US, the issue is still being battled out in numerous courts while in Australia a Right to Repair law was enshrined in 2022 after a concerted push from the ACCC.
Belron, the world’s leading vehicle glass repair, replacement, and recalibration group, has celebrated the the decision made in Europe by the ECJ.
In a statement Belron said it fully acknowledges the need for vehicle manufacturers to be able to address cybersecurity on vehicles, this must be in line with the principles of openness and ensuring a level playing field highlighted by the ECJ.
Belron is committed to continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers and the European Commission, on how to best move forward in a way that does not compromise these fundamentals.
CEO of Belron, Carlos Brito highlighted the ruling as a win for consumers and the independent aftermarket.
“We welcome today’s decision by the Regional Court of Cologne, which builds on the principles set out by the ECJ in October,” Brito says.
“Access to a vehicle’s data stream via the OBD port is essential to workshops all across Europe, and today’s ruling protects the ability for independent service providers to continue working without incurring unwanted hindrance or costs. This is a principle that Belron will continue championing”
“At the same time, we remain committed to working constructively with all vehicle manufacturers and the European Commission to ensure that consumers continue to benefit from the competition provided by the independent aftermarket.”