Consumer watchdog vows to crack down on motor industry 

'Independent garages must not be blocked from accessing essential diagnostic data or tools,' said Craig Whelan of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Picture: iStock

Ireland’s consumer watchdog has vowed to take action against the motor industry for “anti-competitive practices”, such as telling customers their warranty will be void if they go to independent garages for repairs.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has written an industry-wide letter to say that consumers must not be prevented from freely choosing who services or repairs their vehicles, or what parts they use.