Experts have raised serious concerns about the registration of new vehicles in Northern Ireland following the introduction of the GB Type Approval scheme which launched earlier this year.
The scheme, which certifies vehicles for use on British roads, has created a complex situation for the Northern Irish market, the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has warned.
Currently, vehicles registered as new in Northern Ireland must have EU-type approval, while those in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) require GB-type approval.
But this disparity has led to unexpected challenges for manufacturers, dealers, and consumers in Northern Ireland, the association stated.
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Vehicle supply in Northern Ireland has been affected by Brexit
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The NFDA, which represents major motor trade companies in the region, has warned that the situation could have “catastrophic impacts” on the Northern Irish automotive sector.
In a bid to tackle to problem, the association has reached out to Government officials, including the Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to address the issue urgently.
The letter read: “Currently, vehicles registered as new in Northern Ireland must have EU-type approval, while those registered as new in Great Britain require GB-type approval for sale to consumers.
“We were informed by both Department for Transport and Windsor Framework officials that arrangements had been made to facilitate dual GB/EU-type approval for vehicles.”
It added: “This would allow UK-specified vehicles to be registered across all markets with the appropriate approval at the point of registration, a system we expected manufacturers to adopt.
“As manufacturers now begin sharing their plans and interpretations of the regulations, the majority indicate they are unable to implement the dual approval mechanism and are instead choosing either GB or EU approval. This is proving highly detrimental to vehicle supply in Northern Ireland.”
The association highlighted how this will have “catastrophic impacts” on consumers and franchised dealers in Northern Ireland, whose available stock and models will be restricted.
The NFDA outlined several potential impacts on Northern Ireland’s automotive sector including how manufacturers could prioritise the GB market when deciding vehicle specifications and pricing, potentially leading to “inferior” stock availability in Northern Ireland.
The group also raised concerns about how EU-type approved vehicles may be produced only to order for Northern Ireland, which could lead to reduced choice, higher prices, and longer wait times for consumers.
Looking to address the problems, the NFDA has called for urgent Government intervention and has requested meetings with officials to find a solution that ensures Northern Irish consumers have equal access to vehicles on the same field as England, Scotland, and Wales.
To achieve this, the NFDA suggested that GB Type Approved vehicles should be allowed for registration in Northern Ireland.
The organisation is also in contact with manufacturer representatives to better understand their plans. However, they stressed that clarity from Government officials is “crucial”.
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Organisation called for GB Type Approved vehicles to be allowed for registration in Northern Ireland
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The letter stated: “This is fast becoming a major issue as manufacturers begin to transition to the new Type Approval regulations. There is, however, a short window of opportunity to limit the damage if a solution can be found.
“I appreciate that this situation has arisen unexpectedly as a result of Brexit and the unique situation in which Northern Ireland finds itself. Simply put, the current situation is unworkable for both dealers and consumers in Northern Ireland.”
