Week 44: The rules now expect a go-between

Résumé

For years, access to repair information was something each manufacturer arranged its own way. The new Annex X rules go a step further: they describe a route that runs through a third party, and the deadlines for it are now in the diary.

Principaux enseignements

• From 23 June 2027, independent repairers will request VIN-specific repair information through a third party acting under an agreement with the manufacturer.
• Chinese brands took a record 14.5% of Europe's new-car market in September, according to preliminary Dataforce figures.
• The Commission has opened a consultation on who may access restricted battery passport data. The passport becomes mandatory on 18 February 2027.
• BCG expects the European aftermarket to grow 1.7% a year until 2035, down from 4.7% a year in 2021-2025, with growth coming from more complex work on each car.