Effective competition in the vehicle repair and maintenance market depends directly on the degree of competition between authorized repairers, that is, those operating within service networks, which are directly or indirectly created by vehicle manufacturers and independent contractors, including independent repairers and spare parts suppliers. The average cost of EU consumers for repair and maintenance services for motor vehicles represents a very high proportion of total consumer spending on motor vehicles. The European Commission identifies independent repairers as market operators which provide significant competitive pressure as a result of the fact that their business models and operating costs differ from those in authorized networks. Their independence enables financial rationalization of their business in a way that will provide consumers with the same quality of services at a lower price. Repair and maintenance information and spare parts are two key inputs which enables independent repairers to compete in the vehicle repair and maintenance market. Inability to access repair and maintenance information and spare parts for independent repairers will result in exclusion from the relevant market and restriction of competition which will ultimately directly affect consumers.
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