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    FIA Region I defends consumer rights in European Parliament hearing

    30 May 2016

    On 30 May, the European Parliament Committee on Consumer Protection (IMCO) gathered stakeholder views on the revised vehicle type approval proposal from the European Commission. During the hearing, FIA Region I’s Director General Jacob Bangsgaard stressed the need to improve the existing system and complement it with sufficient market surveillance measures, in order to give consumers a more accurate picture of the product that they are buying.

    FIA Region I’s Director General Jacob Bangsgaard said: “Consumers are buying vehicles that they believe comply with existing legislation. It is the responsibility of the industry and authorities to ensure that vehicles comply with the spirit of the legislation. The Commission’s proposal goes a long way to clarify and improve the existing system. We hope that the MEPs here today will look to improve the type approval process and insist upon independent market surveillance. This will offer citizens a better product and help to restore their trust in this industry.”

    The proposal from the European Commission on the revision of vehicle type approval increases the independence of testing authorities and revamps the system of penalties and fines for non-compliance. It includes provisions on access to data for compliance verification and access to the software of the vehicles. This will simplify independent testing and provide increased transparency for the benefits of consumers. However, the proposal from the Commission could go further to ensure fair access to repair and maintenance information in today’s and tomorrow’s cars. As more communication capability moves to the vehicles, a new framework will have to address choice for consumers, competition among service providers and data protection.

    [ENDS]

    Notes to editors

    Next Steps
    Following this hearing the Rapporteur, MEP Daniel Dalton (ECR, UK) will draft his report on the Commission’s proposal from which the IMCO Committee will table ammendments to the legislation for an eventual vote in Committee in the Autumn of 2016. A vote in the European Parliament Plenary will then take place.

    About FIA Region I
    The FIA Region I office, based in Brussels, is a consumer body representing 112 Mobility 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, the FIA Region I work focuses on Road Safety, Consumer Protection, Environmental Protection, and the promotion of Sustainable Motoring. www.fiaregion1.com