What does CECRA do?
CECRA is the European umbrella organisation regrouping national automotive trade associations and European brand dealer councils
Acting as a watchdog, ensuring the interests of authorized dealers and repairers are taken into due account by European regulatory bodies
CECRA's 'Best Practice'
platform offers its members a real added value enabling them to learn more about new tendencies and best practices in place
Welcome to
The Voice of European vehicle dealers and repairers
Representing 336,720 enterprises of automotive trade and repair businesses
Latest News
An early revision of CO2 emission standards regulations should be driven by technology openness
Brussels, 22/10/2024
​Joint statement signed by CECRA
European automotive aftermarket calls for urgent action on in-vehicle access Brussels, 17/10/2024
As the automotive industry transitions toward a future shaped by data-driven services, the European Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (AFCAR), representing key stakeholders in the aftermarket sector, calls for immediate action to guarantee fair and open access to in-vehicle data. CECRA, a member of AFCAR, supports this urgent appeal to the European Commission for regulatory measures that protect competition, foster innovation, and ensure consumer choice in the automotive repair industry.
Access to in-vehicle data is not merely a technical requirement; it is a critical component for the development of new, data-enabled services. The aftermarket sector must be granted direct, unrestricted, unmonitored, and real-time access to this data to remain competitive and innovate effectively. The current barriers to accessing vehicle data threaten the sector’s ability to deliver the quality and variety of services consumers expect and deserve.
The European Commission’s stated mission to enhance competition must address the ongoing obstacles in the European data services market. AFCAR has addressed a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging the Commission to prioritize a legal framework for vehicle data access within the first 100 days of its new term.
Despite the Commission’s recognition of the need for such regulation, a proposal initially prepared with input from extensive consultations and fact-based evidence from various studies remains stalled. The draft proposal even received a favorable opinion from the Regulatory Scrutiny Board on its impact assessment. However, the European elections delayed its progress, and aftermarket stakeholders are now calling for its swift reintroduction.
“The automotive aftermarket is at a critical juncture. Ensuring direct and unrestricted access to in-vehicle data is essential for maintaining a competitive and consumer-friendly landscape. We urge the European Commission to act swiftly to protect the future of the sector and the choices available to millions of consumers.”
AFCAR and its members, including CECRA, emphasize that without a comprehensive legal framework, innovation will be stifled, competition diminished, and consumers left with fewer options for vehicle repair and maintenance services. The European Commission must act now to bring forward the already prepared proposal on access to in-vehicle data, functions, and resources.
Director-General CECRA, Bernard Lycke, part ways with CECRA
Brussels, 11/10/2024
Today, the Annual General Assembly of CECRA, was informed that Bernard Lycke will leave CECRA after nearly 14 years. Bernard has been Director-General of CECRA since 2011 and before CECRA he worked many years for Traxio, the Belgian association for mobility retail. Lycke: “I have always worked with tremendous pleasure for CECRA and it has been a honor to represent automotive retail in Europe for so long, but I also feel very strongly it is time for me to break new ground. I am particularly happy to have had the confidence of my successive Chairmen Jean-Paul Bailly, Jean-Charles Herrenschmidt and Peter Daeninck, of the successive Boards of Directors and of all the loyal members of CECRA, because together we have been able to represent dealers and repairers vis-à-vis the European institutions by actively participating for years in all the high-level working groups such as Cars21, Cars2020, Gear 2030 and more recently Route 35, but also by participating in all working groups and taking concrete action, often also through alliances such as AFCAR and Network for Sustainable Mobility.”
Peter Daeninck, President of CECRA, supports Bernard’s decision and is very thankful for the many years of loyal service. “Of course we respect his decision to explore new opportunities, although it is with sorrow. Bernard has meant a lot for CECRA and has achieved notable results for the members of CECRA and our automotive ecosystem. Thanks to Bernard, our last conference was a huge success and marked a significant step forward in shaping the dialogue on automotive retail and repair in Europe, fostering synergies among stakeholders to work together on the many challenges facing our sector”.
Daeninck: “Bernard’s discussed his decision to leave us in a timely manner enabling CECRA’s Board of Directors to prepare how to proceed.” The General Assembly agreed with the proposal to represent CECRA for the time being with a small interim team of current Board Directors: Geert Brummelhuis (BOVAG, the Netherlands), Rodrigo Ferreira da Silva (ARAN, Portugal) and Timo Niemi (AKL - Autolan Keskusliito, Finland). Together, they will take care of the daily affairs until the position of Director-General is succeeded structurally.
Daeninck: “We are in turbulent times with our sector and today it is necessary more than ever to represent automotive retail in Europe with one voice. “The General Assembly therefore also agreed to prioritize the dialogue and cooperation with our automotive retail partners. The succession of Bernard Lycke has to fit this strategy”.
European Stellantis Group distributors urge EU for realistic CO2 targets adjustment
Brussels, 07/10/2024
The European distribution networks of Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Lancia, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot, all part of the Stellantis Group and 2 brands being represented by CECRA, have collectively issued an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, raising serious concerns over the EU's CO2 reduction targets set for 2025. The distributors argue that the targets, under current market conditions, are unfeasible and require urgent reassessment.
In their statement, the distributors highlight that the lack of affordable Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and the insufficient charging infrastructure across Europe are creating a significant disparity between the EU’s regulatory requirements and market realities. According to the letter, the industry’s focus on premium BEV models has contributed to high costs, deterring mass adoption and leaving the market unable to meet the necessary targets within the stipulated timeframe.
“As distributors, we are on the front line, engaging with consumers daily,” the letter states. “We observe that many potential buyers are rejecting BEVs due to concerns over price, range, and accessibility.” The distributors emphasize that their perspective contrasts with that of their manufacturer, who remain optimistic about achieving the EU's stringent regulations. The letter argues that the industry is collectively unprepared to meet the volume of electric vehicle sales needed to comply with upcoming standards, reflecting a growing divergence between regulatory goals, market readiness, and manufacturer expectations.
The distributors also point out that this concern aligns with recent statements from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), which called for a postponement of the 2025 targets—a proposal the Stellantis distributors fully support.
Moreover, the open letter criticizes the current system of “exhaust emissions” measurement, describing it as inconsistent with the broader goal of decarbonization. The distributors advocate for a holistic approach that accounts for the entire production lifecycle of vehicles, suggesting that such a comprehensive framework would result in more meaningful CO2 reductions.
The letter further warns that if the EU does not adjust its framework, manufacturers will likely face substantial financial penalties. Such fines, they argue, will lead to reduced production volumes within the EU, subsequently impacting the distributors' ability to maintain sales volumes. This situation would risk an economic downturn for the sector, jeopardizing businesses and jobs throughout the automotive supply chain.
In their closing statement, the distributors urge the EU to consider legislative changes that would support a more gradual transition.
CECRA, representing European automobile distributors and repairers, has voiced its support and remains committed to closely monitoring the situation to advocate for policies that are realistic and beneficial for both consumers and the distribution sector.
CECRA Conference in Brussels explores the future of automotive retail and repair
Brussels, 26/09/2024
CECRA, in collaboration with the Belgian Trade Association TRAXIO, held today its conference in Brussels, bringing together key stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the future of automotive retail and repair. The event attracted more than 200 participants, including automotive distributors, repairers of passenger cars and trucks, and representatives from national and international trade associations.
The conference kicked-off with a compelling session focused on the European Green Deal, featuring insights from FuelsEurope and BEUC, the European consumer organization, Charge-up and HydrogenEurope. Speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining the EU’s principle of technology diversity in the automotive sector. While the transition to zero-emission vehicles is essential for climate goals, a comprehensive industrial policy supporting this shift—particularly regarding supply chains and infrastructure—is crucial. Allowing low emission technologies, including hydrogen and e-fuels, would not only foster innovation but also provide operators with a range of options that would effectively reduce emissions in a way that it is both affordable and feasible. The session also highlighted the vital role of battery reparability in the industry’s future, especially as electric vehicle adoption accelerates. The ability to repair batteries will impact vehicle longevity, sustainability, and the residual value of second-hand cars.
The second session addressed remarketing and the aftermarket, focusing on the rise of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and the digital transformation of the used car sector. Car-Pass presented how Belgium has successfully eradicated odometer fraud through the creation of a national database and mandatory exchange of mileage readings. As used cars are traded internationally, this model should be extended to all EU Member States. EU policymakers are urged to introduce legislation so that exchange mileage readings become mandatory. Also addressed during this session, was the access to in-vehicle data. As the automotive industry is evolving towards data-based services, aftermarket operators shall have direct, unmonitored, unrestricted and in real-time access to in-vehicle data which is essential for preserving competition, fostering innovation, and safeguarding consumer choice within the automotive repair industry. EC representative presented the Commission’s latest stand in this dossier.
The final session explored the future distribution model for the automotive industry. Representatives from franchised dealers, operating since short as agents, have exposed the challenges they encountered and questioned the viability of agents as a long-term business model. ACEA provided insights into the automotive industry’s outlook amidst global competitiveness challenges and geopolitical tensions. Presentations from ICDP and KPMG highlighted the evolving distribution strategies among manufacturers and the growing impact of Chinese automotive brands on the European retail landscape.
This conference marked a significant step forward in shaping the dialogue on automotive retail and repair in Europe, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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CECRA welcomes landmark decision by Austrian Cartel Court against Peugeot Austria
Brussels, 17/09/2024
CECRA, the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs, representing the Austrian dealers and repairers association and the European Peugeot Dealers Association, strongly welcomes the Austrian Cartel Court’s ruling against Peugeot Austria (PSA) for abuse of market power. This decision marks a significant victory for automotive dealers and sets an important precedent in addressing unfair manufacturer practices across Europe.
The case, brought forward by Austrian Peugeot dealer Büchl, highlighted unfair demands and economically harmful practices imposed by PSA, which put excessive pressure on its authorized dealers. The court ruled that several of Peugeot’s practices, such as inflating sales targets and tying dealer bonuses to customer satisfaction surveys, violated both Austrian and EU competition laws.
Key Rulings:
1. New Car Sales: Peugeot is prohibited from forcing dealers to participate in sales promotions, restricting their freedom to set prices. The court also barred PSA from linking dealer bonus payments to customer satisfaction surveys and inflating sales targets to reduce dealer margins. PSA’s practice of competing with dealers through their own operations by offering subsidized vehicle prices was also ruled illegal.
2. Workshop Operations: The court banned Peugeot's costly inspection system and hourly rates that fail to cover operational costs, making warranty work financially unviable. Furthermore, PSA can no longer pass on the costs of its mystery shopping and audit systems to dealers.
While CECRA views this ruling as a groundbreaking step towards achieving greater fairness in the automotive industry, there remain critical concerns. Despite the court's decision, the €15 million is a fine imposed on PSA and will of course not be paid to Mr. Büchl who must now, as all dealers who have suffered the same damage, take further legal action to claim for compensation. This after already several years of procedure.
"We are encouraged by this decision, which highlights the need for a balanced and fair approach to dealership operations. This decision will not only safeguard Austrian dealerships but also inspire broader changes across Europe. CECRA will continue to advocate for the rights of dealers across Europe," said Bernard Lycke, Director General of CECRA.
Ursula von der Leyen announces new European Commission lineup
Brussels, 17/09/2024
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled her nominated team of European Commissioners, who will steer key policy areas over the next five years.
Among the most notable appointments, von der Leyen has named six executive vice-presidents—four women and two men—who will be responsible for supervising the work of a cluster of Commissioners and ensuring a cohesive approach to the European Commission’s business.
Each Commissioner nominee will soon receive "mission letters" from von der Leyen, outlining her vision and strategic priorities for their respective mandates. These letters will serve as a framework for their future roles in shaping European policy.
Before assuming office, all nominees will be subject to legal scrutiny, followed by in-depth hearings conducted by the relevant European Parliamentary committees.
CECRA, along with its coalition of associated organizations, will be actively involved in preparing questions for the upcoming hearings. The coalition will closely monitor the proceedings, ensuring that industry concerns are addressed during the confirmation process.
The hearings are scheduled to take place throughout September and October 2024, followed by the formation of the new cabinet. The new College of Commissioners is expected to take office on November 1, 2024, following the confirmation of the entire team by the European Parliament.
Mario Draghi sounds the alarm
Brussels, 10/09/2024
Yesterday, Mario Draghi presented his report ‘The future of European competitiveness’, commissioned by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Mario Draghi's long-anticipated report on Europe's competitiveness, delivers a stark warning: Europe must take immediate action to avoid compromising its welfare, environment or freedom. Draghi emphasized the urgency of addressing Europe's economic slowdown, calling for a decisive break from years of delay in necessary reforms.
As regard the automotive sector, the report illustrates the consequences of the EU’s inconsistent planning in aligning climate and industrial policies. Despite the EU's ambitious target of zero tailpipe emissions by 2035, aimed at phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, there has been insufficient coordination in converting the supply chain. One major gap is the late launch of the European Battery Alliance in 2017, leaving Europe lagging behind in building a competitive battery value chain. In contrast, China began investing in the full electric vehicle (EV) supply chain as early as 2012, allowing it to lead in EV technology and production efficiency. The absence of synchronized EU policies, particularly regarding charging infrastructure, exacerbates the problem. China's early and large-scale investments have given it a significant technological edge, with European companies now losing market share. From 2015 to 2023, the market share of Chinese EV manufacturers in Europe grew from 5% to nearly 15%, while European carmakers' share fell from 80% to 60%. The EU's failure to fully implement the principle of technology neutrality in the automotive sector also hinders progress. While the push for zero-emission vehicles is crucial for the climate, a comprehensive industrial policy supporting the transition, especially in the supply chain and infrastructure, remains lacking. This oversight risks Europe's competitiveness in the global automotive industry.
CECRA has continuously advocated Europe to implement the principle of technology neutrality in the automotive sector which would not only foster innovation but also provide operators with a range of options (low emission technologies, including hydrogen and e-fuels) to effectively reduce emissions in a way that’s both affordable and feasible.
