La protection de la concurrence dans le secteur automotive the protection of the competition in the automotive sector

Until 1985, the relationships between the car manufacturers and their dealers were regulated through individual exemption decision by the European Commission. In 1985, the Commission decided to adopt a block exemption regulation no. 123/85. The following regulation no. 1475/95 saved the basic principles, but some of the restrictions were relaxed to stimulate competition.The evaluation reports were continuing to identify the significant differencesof prices between the member states. The latest decisions illustrated the partitioning practices on the market due to the constructors? behavior. Introduction of the more competition in the purchase market, also in the after-purchase market required the major innovations consequently.In 2002, the Commission proposed a revised system. The new regulation no. 1400/2002 modified sensibly the motor vehicle distribution system.Two objectives guided the reform: to realize finally the unique Market in this sector and to guarantee the independence of the dealers.Keywords:dealar; regulation no. 1475/95; regulation no. 1400/2002; vehicle purchase; after-purchase market