Groundbreaking Environmental Standards Meet Aftermarket Concerns

In a pivotal development for the automotive industry, the European Union’s latest vehicle emission legislation, Euro 7, was finalized in trilogue discussions in mid-December 2023. This comprehensive regulation is set to redefine emission standards for road vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, and buses, extending its reach to cover tyre abrasion, brake particle emissions, and even electric vehicle (EV) battery durability.

Staggered Implementation Timeline

The regulation stipulates varied deadlines for its implementation post-enactment:

• 30 months for new types of cars and vans, extending to 42 months for all new vehicles.
• 48 months for new bus, truck, and trailer types, with a 60-month period for all new respective vehicles.
• Additionally, new systems, components, or separate technical units will adhere to a 30-month compliance window for cars and vans and 48 months for buses, trucks, and trailers.

The European Commission is now diligently working with the Advisory Group on Vehicle Emission Standards (AGVES) to refine the technical specifics through an Implementing Act, emphasizing the urgency due to the impending deadlines.

Aftermarket Industry at a Crossroads

The Euro 7 legislation introduces ‘on-board monitoring’ (OBM) requirements, presenting potential challenges for the automotive aftermarket sector. The industry voiced its concerns, particularly about the need for access to OBM data for effective vehicle repairs and maintaining emission compliance. The legislation’s stipulation for immediate repairs by vehicle manufacturers (VMs) could corner the market, sidelining independent operators without the ability to access or interact with the OBM data remotely.

Key Aftermarket Concerns Highlighted

• Ensuring independent operators can access OBM data to offer timely repair quotes.
• The capability for aftermarket manufacturers to produce compliant parts integrated with the OBM system, avoiding any ‘tampering’ labels.
• Securing the necessary technical details from VMs to support the design and integration of aftermarket parts.
• Establishing a protocol for testing and approving brake system components for emission standards, a requirement likely to extend to tyre manufacturers as well.

Seeking Inclusive Solutions

The European Aftermarket associations (including FIGIEFA, ADPA, CECRA, EGEA, AIRC, and the FIA) have presented these concerns, highlighting the potential monopolistic implications of the Euro 7 regulations and advocating for equitable access to crucial vehicle data. The call for involvement in the AGVES working groups on OBM and anti-tampering measures is a step toward ensuring a competitive and fair market, emphasizing the necessity for over-the-air (OTA) communication capabilities for independent operators.

The aftermarket sector stands at a critical juncture, seeking a balanced approach that aligns with Euro 7’s stringent environmental goals while safeguarding the industry’s competitive landscape and innovation potential.