The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has raised concerns about anticompetitive practices in the Irish motor industry, particularly in the sale, maintenance, and repair of vehicles. This warning comes after reports from consumers indicating that they have faced obstacles when attempting to use independent garages for vehicle servicing.

Motorists have reported being discouraged from seeking services outside of authorized dealerships, with some claiming that their warranties would be voided if they chose to use non-original parts or independent service providers. Additionally, there are allegations that manufacturers and distributors have restricted access to essential diagnostic tools and data, further limiting consumer options.

The CCPC has highlighted that such practices not only inflate prices but also reduce consumer choice and negatively impact independent garages. In response, the authority is gathering information from vehicle distributors in Ireland and has urged them to review their current practices to ensure compliance with competition law.

While no formal actions have been taken against specific companies yet, the CCPC has made it clear that it will pursue enforcement actions if illegal practices are confirmed. The authority has also reassured independent garages of their rights to repair vehicles freely, use quality non-original parts, and access necessary diagnostic tools.

Craig Whelan, the director of antitrust at the CCPC, emphasized the importance of consumer freedom in choosing service providers without the fear of warranty issues. He stated that restrictive practices harm consumers and stifle competition, giving undue advantage to authorized dealerships. The CCPC is committed to monitoring the situation and taking appropriate actions against any breaches of competition law.

Independent garages are encouraged to report any unfair restrictions they encounter, particularly regarding access to diagnostic tools, by contacting the CCPC directly.