VMs in European Commission’s sights

A key figure in the fight to guarantee access to technical information has committed to action after a demonstration of the difficulties garages can face getting data.

Philippe Jean, Head of the Automotive Industry Unit of the Enterprise and Industry Directorate General of the European Commission, visited a garage in Holland for the demonstration along with Colin Parlett from the Independent Garage Association.

Jean was shown the hurdles which garages face when connecting with vehicle manufacturers’ websites.

In an interview you can see below, Jean said: “You know the problems. Now I am looking at he difficulties which could be faced by independent operators in order to access the data. It makes the problem more real for me.”

Jean said there was an obligation for the European Commission to monitor the access which independents are entitled to, and ensure action taken was effective in improving the situation.

Colin Parlett of the IGA said: “The Commission has seen the difficulty that my colleagues are having in obtaining information. We need the Commission to look at the situation to make sure manufacturers comply with the regulation, both in spirit and in practice.”