Auto Glass Replacement

Glass for Europe member companies produce automotive glass for car manufacturers -- the original windscreens and windows that come with new cars -- but also for the "aftermarket" -- the replacement parts used when a windscreen or windshield breaks.

This replacement glass is supplied either directly to car manufacturers for their own garages and maintenance and repair businesses but also as an independent stream of automotive glass replacement parts via independent car glass fitters.

Glass for Europe therefore closely monitors, through our participation in "ECAR" (the European Campaign for the Freedom of the Automotive Parts and Replacement Market) the proposal for an amendment to the "Design Directive" 98/71/EC -- especially as regards the right of EU consumers to freely obtain parts and repair services from a variety of sources at competitive prices. A proposal from the European Commission was slightly amended and adopted by the European parliament in 2008. Ever since, the proposal is on the Council of the EU's agenda bit little progress has been made so far. 

Glass for Europe is actively communicating the benefits of using OEM replacement glass to customers and policy-makers and publishes a newsletter to inform and warn the public against copies and counterfeiting.  Glass for Europe calls on the reluctant Member States to support the European Commission's proposal in view of establishing a robust regulatory framework safeguarding customers' interests. 

We also produce technical recommendations on automotive glass repair and fitting.