Car exclusive agency agreements discussed

Exclusive agency agreements which car importers might enter into locally had to conform to the Vertical Agreements and Concerted Practices (Block Exemptions) Regulations enacted under the Competition Act, the Parliamentary Secretary in the Economic Services Ministry, George Hyzler has said.

He was speaking during a meeting with representatives from the Association of Car Importers Malta, represented by William Shaw, Jeffrey Mizzi and Janine Borg.

Also present at the meeting were the Director General of the Consumer and Competition Division, Marcel Pizzuto, together with Claire Calleja and Mark Attard Montalto.

The meeting discussed the implications of the recent legislative enactments in the area of consumer and competition law.

Dr Hyzler explained the importance of these provisions and in particular those on unfair contract terms, commercial guarantees, misleading advertising and product liability, which were of direct interest to members of the association.

Both Mr Shaw and Mr Mizzi presented their association's views on the present situation prevailing in the car import sector.

They emphasised that the particular local market conditions should be taken into consideration when enforcing legislation. It was suggested that further technical meetings be held in the future to discuss the provisions in greater detail.

The meeting was one of a series of consultative meetings held by Dr Hyzler, who is also responsible for consumer and competition policy in the ministry, and specific industry sectors.