EU's new car sales rules in force from Tuesday

BRUSSELS, Sept 30 Reuters reported that rules aimed at helping consumers get more choice when buying a car come into force on October 1, the European Commission said on Monday, even though full implementation will be gradual.

The new rules will allow dealers to sell more than one brand in the same showroom and force manufacturers to supply spare parts and tools to independent repair shops.

Car makers have a one-year transition period to adapt to the new rules after they come into force. Also, a key clause for the liberalisation of dealerhips will enter into force in 2005.

"The new regime represents a significant reform of the current rules in terms of both its approach and substance," the Commission said in a statement.

"Consumers will be better placed to take advantage of competition in their home countries and elsewhere in the European Union."

The rules aim to open up the markets in new cars, repairs and spare parts to an unprecedented degree.

The changes are designed to narrow the gap in pre-tax prices on automobiles, which now vary by as much as 50 percent for the same model from one country to another within the 15-nation EU.

However, the Commission postponed the most controversial measure, which would have removed carmakers' power to assign dealers sales territories and would have given dealers the right to open showrooms anywhere in Europe from Aberdeen to Athens.