Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339935 
Year of Publication: 
2026
Citation: 
[Journal:] Journal of Industry, Competition and Trade [ISSN:] 1573-7012 [Volume:] 26 [Issue:] 1 [Article No.:] 8 [Publisher:] Springer US [Place:] New York, NY [Year:] 2026
Publisher: 
Springer US, New York, NY
Abstract: 
The automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by digitization, enabling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to exert increasing control over vehicle functions, data, and – consequently – after-sales markets. Despite high relevance for consumers, regulatory scrutiny remains limited. This paper examines whether these developments constitute digital gatekeeping in a functional sense and whether they justify increased regulatory attention. We show that OEMs’ digital strategies reinforce their dominance in secondary markets, particularly repair and maintenance. We assess the current European regulatory framework, focusing on the European Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER), and argue that it has not kept pace with the realities of software-defined vehicles. The planned MVBER review provides an opportunity to reassess legacy privileges and adapt competition rules to the digital age. We discuss potential reforms, including improved data access, stronger interoperability standards, and a broader definition of aftermarket components. We also examine supplementary measures such as a Right to Repair regime and self-regulation. Our analysis concludes that OEMs increasingly act as digital gatekeepers and that existing frameworks inadequately address the resulting risks. Regulatory recalibration is needed to safeguard innovation, consumer welfare, and long-term market openness.
Subjects: 
Aftermarket
Antitrust
Competition policy
Connected car
Extended vehicle
Gatekeeping
Software-defined vehicle
JEL: 
D72
K21
L40
L42
L50
L51
L62
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article
Document Version: 
Published Version

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