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    European Parliament takes the initiative to tackle mileage fraud

    19 January 2018

    A draft report by MEP Ismael Ertug on odometer fraud sets out recommendations to effectively tackle this fraudulent practice that is costing European motorists billions of euros each year because of inflated car prices.

    This new report notes the merits of an in-vehicle technical solution. However, for used vehicles on-the-road the report deems the retrofitting of a technical solution too expensive. It therefore proposes the tracking of odometer readings as a plausible solution to reduce fraudulent activities. Additionally, the report calls for better reporting of the mileage of vehicles over their lifetime across the EU and recommends improvements to the way technical measures are tested.

    FIA Region I Director General, Laurianne Krid, said: “Mileage fraud is an appalling and costly practice that means consumers are often overpaying for second hand cars. FIA Region I welcomes this draft report and the emphasis it puts on both reporting of a vehicle’s mileage and also on the technical measures needed to prevent fraudsters from winding back the mileage clock. The report can be strengthened by setting out clear requirements on how the technical measures implemented by car makers are tested during the type approval process.”

    For many years, FIA Region I has advocated implementing a range of measures to protect a vehicle’s and in 2016 the EU adopted welcomed new rules that requires the use of technical solutions applying to all new vehicle types as of September 2017.

    A study accompanying the report indicates that odometer fraud in the EU could be costing consumers as much as 10 billion Euros each year. For more information on the study see here. The draft report (see here) will be considered by the Parliament’s TRAN Committee on January 23.

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    Notes to editors

    What is mileage fraud?
    Mileage fraud takes place when a vehicle’s odometer has been tampered with to lower the number of kilometres a car has been driven. The crime of mileage fraud affects the public at large, by artificially elevating the cost of used vehicles, sometimes by thousands of Euros. It is a crime that is estimated to affect up to 40% of used cars in Europe. Learn more: https://www.fiaregion1.com/mileage-fraud/

    About FIA Region I
    The FIA Region I office, based in Brussels, is a consumer body representing 113 Motoring and Touring Clubs and their 38 million members from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FIA represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists. The FIA’s primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. With these aims in mind, FIA Region I’s work focuses on Road Safety, Consumer Protection, Environmental Protection, and the promotion of Sustainable Motoring. www.fiaregion1.com

    Contact:
    Andrea Campbell
    Head of Communications,
    FIA Region I
    acampbell[at]fia.com
    +32 2 282 0813