The European Commission has adopted the new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (‘VBER') accompanied by the new Vertical Guidelines, following a thorough evaluation and review of the 2010 rules. The Commission said the revised rules provide businesses with “simpler, clearer and up-to-date rules and guidance”. The revised VBER and Vertical Guidelines will enter into force on 1 June 2022
The NFDA is currently working with its specialist legal advisers, TLT LLP, and the Alliance of European Car Dealers and Repairers (AECDR) to examine VBER and the new guidelines, further details will follow next week.
We have also recently submitted our response to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) consultation on the Retained Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation, followed by a meeting with them.
We will wait for the CMA’s response, although it continues to be important to engage also with the European Commission as its guidance may influence the CMA’s position.
You can read the European Commission’s press release here.
