Brussels, February 28, 2025 – The European Commission has initiated a public consultation inviting stakeholders to provide input on the competition rules governing vertical agreements in the automotive sector. This consultation is part of the ongoing evaluation of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) and the Supplementary Guidelines (SGL), which were amended in April 2023 and are set to expire on May 31, 2028.
The consultation aims to assess the effectiveness of the current regulations in ensuring a competitive automotive aftermarket and their alignment with evolving industry trends, including digitalization and mobility shifts. The feedback gathered will inform the Commission’s review of the MVBER and its broader approach to competition regulation in the sector.
Evaluation and Strategic Industry Dialogue
The review of the MVBER, launched on January 18, 2024, follows a previous assessment conducted between 2018 and 2021. The last evaluation led to the regulation’s five-year extension and updates reflecting significant technological advancements since 2010. This new consultation seeks to build on that foundation by incorporating insights from stakeholders, including manufacturers, independent repairers, and suppliers.
The consultation aligns with the Commission’s Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry, launched on January 30, 2025. The forthcoming Action Plan from this initiative will address critical sectoral issues such as technological innovation, talent acquisition, and regulatory predictability.
Next Steps and Submission Details
Interested parties have until May 23, 2025, to submit their comments. The Commission will analyze the responses and publish a summary of key points and conclusions on its “Have Your Say” portal. Additionally, contributions to the public consultation will be made available in their original submission language.
The Commission will also gather feedback from national competition authorities and collaborate with its Joint Research Centre to conduct a sector-specific study. This study will evaluate industry trends, particularly focusing on the impact of digital transformation on the automotive market.
Following the conclusion of the evaluation, the Commission will explore policy options for the future of MVBER. This policy-making phase is scheduled to take place in 2026.
Commission’s Perspective
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, emphasized the importance of keeping the antitrust framework in step with market developments. “With this evaluation, we want to ensure our competition rules remain fit for purpose, keeping pace with digitalization and changing mobility patterns. It is essential to engage all stakeholders, from manufacturers to independent repairers, to maintain an environment that fosters innovation and fair competition in vehicle sales, repair, and maintenance.”
For more information, stakeholders can visit the European Commission’s competition website to follow updates on the evaluation process.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_473
