Greater clarity of block exemption rules is needed before aftermarket businesses will be able to take advantage. That’s the concern of Graham Trevitt, managing director of warehouse distributor GP Automotive.

“The aftermarket is in a tricky situation. Companies working with vehicle manufacturers aren’t shouting about it for obvious reasons, but they realise that independent garage customers are turning to dealerships more and more for parts,” says Trevitt.

“On the other hand, dealerships are using their local factor because they can source the same quality parts cheaper. The irony of it is that both these scenarios were happening long before the block exemption changes, which have only muddied the waters rather than clarify the industry’s position.

“There was certainly not enough done to explain to the motor factors and workshops about what the new legislation entails and how best to address this. The only real work done to help educate the market has been by the ADF.”

Since the summer, the ADF has provided free leaflets and online information for distributors and factors to explain the opportunities offered by BE.