Will Brexit threaten the vehicle repair sector?

Independent garages could lose access to information and data needed to repair vehicles as a result of Brexit threatening the sector’s future, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has warned.

 

The motor industry body has raised concerns about the future for independent garages with the government’s post-Brexit plans creating uncertainty for the sector.

 

Research from the IMI has found that an estimated 40,000 independent businesses could lose access to information and data needed to repair vehicles presently on the road if the government fails to guarantee continuation of the ‘Right to Repair’ scheme post-Brexit. 

 

The professional body said it could have massive repercussions for the independents if “this key content of the European Union (EU) Block Exemption Regulation is not protected by government”. 

 

The current EU regulation means all manufacturers are obliged to share information on all new cars, which secures a fair market for independent businesses in which to operate.

 

Steve Nash, chief executive at the IMI, said: “The developments in new technology has already begun hitting the most vulnerable area of the industry so without the Block Exemption Regulation in place their will be catastrophic consequences for the independents that make up 80% of businesses engaged in servicing and repairing motor vehicles in UK.”