THE European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has welcomed certain aspects of the new block exemption regulations but said there was still cause for concern.

ACEA said the European Commission's announcement 'puts an end to a long process and to an animated public debate on how a very special product like motor vehicles will be sold and serviced in the future.'

In a statement, the organisation said: 'ACEA reminds that the profession of motor vehicle manufacturer entails specific responsibilities towards customers and the whole society, with regard to mobility, environment protection and safety. In this respect the automotive industry welcomes the fact that the new EU Regulation takes these elements into account and allows the organisation of a specific system of distribution.

'Automotive manufacturers will retain the possibility of choosing the system of distribution of their products, their distributors and the criteria for authorising repairers.'

However, it also expressed some concerns with regards to the new regulation.

'As we have already pointed out some of the provisions raise a number of concerns in the automotive sector. We regret that these concerns, which were also expressed in their opinions by the European Parliament and by the Economic and Social Committee, have not been entirely addressed in the final test.

'The new rules adopted today introduce a number of significant changes and create a new environment where it will be more demanding to preserve the interests of motorists and consumers at large.'