Gasen eller bromsen för motorfordonssektorns gruppundantag?

The purpose of this thesis is to discuss the current Block-Exception Regulation (BER), commission regulation 1400/2002 that regulates the competition within the automotive industry. The automotive industry has for long been exposed to problems regarding competition and has therefore been regulated by three block-exception regulations since 1985 when the first one was introduced. The aim of the current BER is to strengthen the market dynamic, consumer interests and retailer and repair shops position against the producers. This BER cease to exist from May 21th of 2010 and there is now an intense discussion within the commission and market about whether to continue to regulate the automotive industry through the BER or not. The discussion mostly concern if the sector instead should be regulated through the BER for vertical agreements. This thesis aims to present whether or not the goals of the current BER has been achieved or not, and how the sector further will be regulated when the regulation 1400/2002 cease to exist May 21th 2010.