Cost of parts to treble?

Motorists may have to face up to a 300% rise in the cost of spare parts if the EU fails to back a new regulation, it has been claimed.

The cost of replacing headlights wipers, items known in the trade as 'visible parts' are in danger of trebling unless the 'repairs clause' is brought in by the EU as part of a new design directive on September 8th.

A group representing a cross section of automotive interests called ECAR said that if the clause is not approved by the EU, it would have "disastrous" consequences for Europe's 235 million vehicle owners.

The group claimed that motorists would face higher prices, less choice, and would have to buy their spare parts from manufacturers, instead of private operators in a competitive market.