CAR PRICING IN THE UK

Early day motion 444, tabled 29 February 2000 by Linda Perham (Labour). Signed by 77 members.

That this House commends the Consumers' Association campaign to end the 'great British car rip-off'; is disappointed that according to the latest European Commission report on car pricing UK consumers continue to be charged the highest price for 70 of the top 77 best selling models of car in the European Union; calls on the Government to acknowledge that there is a crisis in the motor industry brought on by motor manufacturers who collectively overcharge and give dealers little room to discount, which has left consumers with no choice but to vote with their feet and boycott new car sales; supports UK consumers' demands on the Government to restructure the new car market by arguing for the removal of the current block exemption, encouraging greater price transparency and forcing manufacturers to cut their list prices so that UK consumers can purchase cars at fair and competitive prices; and warns that any package of measures that does not strengthen the role of consumers and dealers will not address the fundamental crisis in the new car sector.

Signatures by party: Labour 54, Liberal Democrat 12, Labour/Co-operative 7, UUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.