What does CECRA do?
CECRA is the European umbrella organisation regrouping national automotive trade associations and European brand dealer councils
Acting as a watchdog, ensuring the interests of authorized dealers and repairers are taken into due account by European regulatory bodies
CECRA's 'Best Practice'
platform offers its members a real added value enabling them to learn more about new tendencies and best practices in place
Welcome to
The Voice of European vehicle dealers and repairers
Representing 336,720 enterprises of automotive trade and repair businesses
Latest News
Mario Draghi sounds the alarm
Brussels, 10/09/2024
Yesterday, Mario Draghi presented his report ‘The future of European competitiveness’, commissioned by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Mario Draghi's long-anticipated report on Europe's competitiveness, delivers a stark warning: Europe must take immediate action to avoid compromising its welfare, environment or freedom. Draghi emphasized the urgency of addressing Europe's economic slowdown, calling for a decisive break from years of delay in necessary reforms.
As regard the automotive sector, the report illustrates the consequences of the EU’s inconsistent planning in aligning climate and industrial policies. Despite the EU's ambitious target of zero tailpipe emissions by 2035, aimed at phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, there has been insufficient coordination in converting the supply chain. One major gap is the late launch of the European Battery Alliance in 2017, leaving Europe lagging behind in building a competitive battery value chain. In contrast, China began investing in the full electric vehicle (EV) supply chain as early as 2012, allowing it to lead in EV technology and production efficiency. The absence of synchronized EU policies, particularly regarding charging infrastructure, exacerbates the problem. China's early and large-scale investments have given it a significant technological edge, with European companies now losing market share. From 2015 to 2023, the market share of Chinese EV manufacturers in Europe grew from 5% to nearly 15%, while European carmakers' share fell from 80% to 60%. The EU's failure to fully implement the principle of technology neutrality in the automotive sector also hinders progress. While the push for zero-emission vehicles is crucial for the climate, a comprehensive industrial policy supporting the transition, especially in the supply chain and infrastructure, remains lacking. This oversight risks Europe's competitiveness in the global automotive industry.
CECRA has continuously advocated Europe to implement the principle of technology neutrality in the automotive sector which would not only foster innovation but also provide operators with a range of options (low emission technologies, including hydrogen and e-fuels) to effectively reduce emissions in a way that’s both affordable and feasible.
EU imposes provisional countervailing duties on Chinese BEVs imports
Brussels, 04/07/2024
The European Commission has officially released a Regulation imposing provisional countervailing duties on battery electric vehicles imported from China. All the detailed findings of the investigation are reflected in the Implementing Regulation which has been published in the EU Official Journal today.
The new duties, which are set to be added to the existing 10% tariff, will apply as follows:
· BYD: 17.4%
· Geely: 19.9% (revised down from the provisional 20%)
· SAIC: 37.6% (revised down from 38.1%)
Other BEV producers in China, which cooperated in the investigation but were not sampled, are subject to the 20.8% weighted average duty. The duty for other non-cooperating companies is 37.6%.
In its press statement, the European Commission highlighted its willingness to engage in further technical discussions with China to find a mutually acceptable solution.
The imposition of these duties will have repercussions for dealers and repairers selling these Chinese BEVs. The added duties are expected to impact car prices and, consequently, sales volumes, says Bernard Lycke, Director General of CECRA.
CECRA remains committed to closely monitoring the situation.
EU Commission's provisional countervailing duties on Chinese electric cars imports
Brussels, 13/06/2024
The European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs (CECRA) acknowledges the European Commission's decision to impose additional customs duties ranging from 17.4% to 38.1% on electric cars imported from China, effective from July 4th.
This decision follows a nine-month investigation into allegations of unfair state subsidies for Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs), including brands such as BYD, Geely and SAIC.
The EU Commission stated: “The provisional findings of the EU anti-subsidy investigation indicate that the entire BEV value chain benefits heavily from unfair subsidies in China, and that the influx of subsidised Chinese imports at artificially low prices therefore presents a threat of clearly foreseeable and imminent injury to EU industry.”
The investigation will continue for several months until the Commission decides whether to propose definitive anti-subsidy measures. Member states will have to vote on such a proposal.
CECRA emphasizes that free and fair trade is essential for a competitive European automotive industry, driving innovation and providing consumers with more choices. However, it is crucial that this competition ensures a level playing field for all competitors. The imposition of these duties will have repercussions for dealers and repairers, especially those representing the brands under investigation. The added duties are expected to impact car prices and, consequently, sales volumes. CECRA remains committed to closely monitoring the situation, reacted CECRA Director General, Bernard Lycke.
MEKO partners with CECRA
Brussels, 12/04/2024
MEKO consists of the leading automotive spare-parts chains in the northern Europe, FTZ, Inter-Team, Koivunen, MECA, Mekonomen and Sørensen og Balchen, with proprietary wholesale operations, around 600 stores and 4,300 workshops operating under the Group brands. MEKO offers a wide and easily accessible range of inexpensive and innovative solutions and products for consumers and companies.
"We are proud to partner with CECRA, an organization that shares our vision for the future of the automotive industry and the crucial role played by workshops in ensuring an affordable, safe and sustainable mobility for all Europeans," says Pehr Oscarson, President and CEO of MEKO. "This partnership will give us the possibility to present our workshop solutions to CECRA members, participate in debates on the future of our industry and help shape the policies that will drive our partnership and MEKO’s businesses forward."
"We are pleased to welcome MEKO to our network of partners and look forward to working together to advocate for the interests of our members, promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and ensure that all workshops have a voice in shaping the future of our industry," says Bernard Lycke, Director General of CECRA.
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
Europe’s Consumers, Independent Automotive Service and Mobility Providers rally for urgent Commission action on vehicle data legislation
Brussels, 19/01/2024
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Europe’s independent service providers and consumers reiterate the significant potential for safer, smarter and more affordable mobility that is being sacrificed due to the lack of regulated access to vehicle data.
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Vehicle manufacturers have quasi-monopoly control over data generated by vehicles owned by European consumers and businesses. This heavily limits the choice of innovative services that independent service providers could provide - if they had equal access to vehicle data.
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The group calls on President von der Leyen to urgently deliver the legislative proposal on access to vehicle data that has been eight years in the making.
A group of 10 representatives of independent automotive service providers have called on President von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners to urgently deliver sector-specific legislation on access to vehicle data. Together they represent 80% of the European automotive economy and include the continent’s automotive parts suppliers and distributors, workshops and their technology suppliers, mobility services companies, the insurance industry and consumers.
The majority of modern vehicles are connected and offer immense potential for safer, smarter and more affordable mobility for European consumers and businesses.
However, manufacturers' quasi-monopoly control of vehicle data is impeding the development of services that independent service providers could offer. This limits service innovation and competition, restricting consumer and business choice, driving up prices and erodes Europe’s competitive position globally.
The group stresses the European Commission’s long-promised plan for a sector-specific legislation on access to in-vehicle data, functions, and resources is more necessary than ever. The Data Act neither addresses the quasi-monopolistic market structure nor the technical requirements in the automotive industry to make equitable data access a reality.
Action is urgent due to the regulatory cliff-edge in July when new cybersecurity laws kick in, potentially leading to the progressive shutdown of the only independent means of remote access to vehicle data (via the on-board diagnostic port).
The EU must urgently put in place equal access to vehicle-generated data for all market actors by delivering sector-specific legislation that protects consumer choice and encourages real competition and investment in digital transformation and data-driven businesses. Each day of delay stifles European innovation, job creation and the safer, smarter, more sustainable and affordable mobility that Europe’s citizens and businesses deserve.
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“FIA members continuously seek to develop consumer services in mobility and beyond. But our efforts are hampered through the low quality, scarce and costly data made available by vehicle manufacturers. Fair access to vehicle data is essential in unlocking the full potential of innovative services, beneficial for consumers and all players in the aftermarket. A level playing field is needed to favour innovation for all players and not only a few.”
- Karsten Schulze, ADAC Technical Services President.
"Ensuring full and real-time data access is essential for fleet companies to be able to offer smart, sustainable, and affordable mobility to their clients. There is no further time to lose as the automotive industry is moving at very high pace and the independent service providers risk losing their competitive position. Thus, we ask President von der Leyen to urgently deliver the legislative proposal on access to in-vehicle data."
-Tim Albertsen, Group Chief Executive Office of Ayvens (formerly ALD Automotive I LeasePlan).
“There is currently no level playing field in accessing vehicle data which is stifling competition and innovation. The European Commission must stop dragging its feet and urgently put forward EU regulation. This will enable insurers to provide better products and services to support the climate transition and improve road safety. It will also help them understand and manage the risks related to new and future forms of mobility, such as autonomous driving. Opening data access will prevent a few big companies controlling data and instead create a competitive market that delivers for Europeans.”
- Yann Arnaud, Director of Responses to Customer Needs & Innovation at MACIF, the French insurer, speaking on behalf of the European insurance sector.
“Leveraging anonymized vehicle intelligence and linked tyre data provides a tremendous opportunity for building creative solutions that will shape the future of mobility.”
- Raghunath Banerjee, Vice President of Data Solutions at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.
“Investments in services based on in-vehicle generated data require a stable and predictable business environment. A sector specific regulation is needed to create such environment.”
- Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General of CLEPA.
EU 2024 Elections – CECRA’s key policy recommendations for the EU institution’s next five-year mandate
Brussels, 17/01/2024
CECRA - the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs - has during its press conference of today presented its key priorities of the automotive distribution and repair sector for the upcoming European legislative period. CECRA’s manifesto for an innovative and future proof mobility
Vehicles play a crucial role in society’s functioning whether it is transporting people and/or goods. CECRA supports all efforts in achieving Europe’s set climate targets. It however advocates Europe to opt for a more open approach, encouraging technology diversity within the vehicle sector which would not only foster innovation but also provide operators with a range of options to effectively reduce emissions in a way that’s both affordable and feasible.
New technologies, such as connected cars emitting tremendous amount of data offering unlimited possibilities of digitalisation, are reshaping business models. European automotive manufacturers are adapting their business strategies, reducing distribution costs and transforming their distribution network from a franchised ‘dealer’ model into ‘agency’ models alongside with setting up on-line sales platforms putting their retailers in direct competition with them. Agency business models will have major consequences for manufacturers, their distribution networks and European consumers. Vehicle manufacturers know that their distribution network has a distinct advantage as they have a face-to-face customer interaction and guarantee a network of physical rural and non-rural touchpoints where consumers can get assistance to the purchase, repair and maintenance of their expensive good. The agency model will significantly impact the distributors’ earnings model and it remains to be seen whether this model is a viable business model and how it will affect the service.
Aftersales operators must have direct access to in-vehicle data, its functions and resources to create a level playing field within the automotive aftersales. A direct, unmonitored, unrestricted and real-time access to in-vehicle data is a critical requirement for new data- enabled services. Given the increasing centrality of these new data-based services — fair competition, innovation and consumer’s freedom of choice will only be possible if such an equal access is guaranteed to all players in the vehicle service industry.
The automotive industry, as a whole, whether it is the production, the sales and after sales are at a critical juncture. The challenges are huge and the stakes are high. Through this policy manifesto, CECRA asks EU’s new leaders to take into account the concerns and needs of the automotive distribution and repair sector to ensure a competitive market for consumers across the European Union.
In short, the key objectives and concerns for which CECRA seeks support from EU decision makers are:
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A fair balance… to protect SMEs in the automotive sector by supporting fair rules at EU level to ensure that contracts between vehicle manufacturers and dealer/agents cannot contain unfair, oppressive and unreasonable requirements;
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Protect European consumers from deterioration in the automotive sales and aftersales industry… since vehicle manufacturers are transforming their sales and repair model it is to be awaited whether this model is a viable business model and what the consequences will be on EU consumers regarding the service and after-sales service of their expensive good;
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A level playing field … to ensure that SMEs in the sector have equal access to in-vehicle data to enable them to service and repair latest technology vehicles to ensure competitive market for consumers across the European Union;
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Protect European consumers from fraudsters and criminals… to help deliver EU-wide requirements to fight odometer manipulation by unscrupulous traders who can take advantage of the current lack of verifiable vehicle data. We are seeking the recording and collection of odometer and vehicle damage information to be made available to EU consumers, as a right, through state supported agencies.
