The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has successfully challenged several vehicle manufacturers (VMs) over non-compliance with Block Exemption legislation, securing vital access to in-vehicle data for independent operators.

IAAF’s intervention has ensured that more VMs are now complying with legal requirements to provide independent workshops with the necessary repair and maintenance information and diagnostic access.

This is a major step forward in safeguarding competition and protecting consumer choice across the UK aftermarket.

While the UK Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MV-BEO) was revised in 2023 to reflect technological changes and support independent repairers, not all VMs were meeting these updated obligations, creating unnecessary and unlawful barriers for workshops outside the franchised network.

Mark Field, Chief Executive of the IAAF, said: “We will continue to challenge any lack of compliance to ensure our members, and the wider aftermarket, are able to provide choice for the motorist with their competing products and services. The principle of fair access is not optional; it’s essential for competition, innovation and affordability.”

This action follows IAAF’s recent Right to Repair (R2R) survey, which revealed overwhelming public support for consumer choice in vehicle servicing and repair.

The poll of over 1000 UK drivers found that 92 percent believe they should have the right to choose where their vehicle is maintained, while 82 percent support government action to enforce legislation that protects this choice.

Field added: “As household budgets remain under pressure, affordable vehicle maintenance is key. The message from UK drivers is clear: they want access to trusted, independent garages, and they want the government to protect that right. This success shows the IAAF’s determination to turn those demands into real-world outcomes.”