Cases
12 cases were handled by the Competition Committee in 2011. 9 were successful and 3 are always in process (in the motor vehicles sector and the construction equipments sector).
New cases in which uncompetitive behaviors have been detected will be provided soon by the Technical Committee to the Competition Committee.
European Commission
The Competition Committee met DG Competition in February to evaluate the current situation on the market and the implementation of the new regulation.
This meeting gave us the opportunity to welcome Mr. Carpi Badia, new Deputy Head of Unit E2 within DG COMP.
Inquiry
It is important to notice that the French Competition Authority has decided to launch an inquiry on the motor vehicle aftermarket sector.
This inquiry has two main goals:
• To see if independent repairers can really compete with authorized repairers (access to spare parts and technical information…)
• To see if there is a real competition between OEMs, OES and independent suppliers regarding the sale of spare parts to independent or authorized repairers
At the end of March or in April 2012, a first report will be issued. Then, a public consultation will be opened on the topic in April and May 2012 and a final report will be released in June 2012 (maybe with some recommendations to improve competition on the aftermarket).
It is the first inquiry on the motor vehicle aftermarket sector since the new regulation has come into force.
If you are aware of such a survey in your country, please contact UEIL who will get in touch with your national competition authority.