The RMI and the Authorised and Independent Repairers' Organisation (AIRO) have both criticised carmakers for their failure to set their repair standards for potential approved repairers under the new block exemption.

Airo claims that its own plans to help independent garages achieve authorisation is being slowed by the majority of carmakers who have so far failed to agree the standards.

The message was echoed by Ray Holloway, the director of the RMI's independent garage/fuel division.

He says: “The objective for implementation is 1 October 2003, and that is now just over four months away. Unfortunately, the information provided by the manufacturers so far has been sketchy at best and only a small number of manufacturers have published their criteria. What is the delay?

“The manufacturers are clearly dragging their feet. Those repairers who want to aspire to approved status should be told now how they will achieve it, and the likely price they will need to pay.

“How are independents supposed to prepare to take advantage of new opportunities, if they do not know how much these opportunities might cost them?”