CMA Revokes Supply of New Cars Order 2000: Lifts UK Automotive Restrictions

• The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revoked the Supply of New Cars Order 2000 on November 4, 2026.
• This revocation means the order is no longer in force and has been removed from the register of remedies.
• The original order banned price discrimination, controlled pre-registration, and prevented restrictions on price advertising for new car suppliers.
• The order was initially made under the monopoly provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973.
• The lifting of these prohibitions impacts commercial strategies and compliance for businesses in the UK automotive sector.

Lawyers advising new car suppliers in the UK should note the revocation of the Supply of New Cars Order 2000 by the CMA, as it removes previous prohibitions on price discrimination, pre-registration controls, and restrictions on price advertising.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially revoked the Supply of New Cars Order 2000, a significant development for the automotive sector in Great Britain. This action, finalized on November 4, 2026, means the order is no longer legally binding and has been removed from the official register of remedies in force. The revocation fundamentally alters the regulatory landscape for new car suppliers, removing previous constraints on their commercial practices.

The now-defunct order had imposed specific prohibitions and controls on the industry. Notably, it banned price discrimination among buyers, regulated the practice of pre-registration of vehicles, and prevented any restrictions on how new car prices could be advertised. With the Supply of New Cars Order 2000 revoked, these former limitations are lifted, allowing businesses greater flexibility in their pricing, sales, and marketing strategies.

The original Supply of New Cars Order 2000 was established under the monopoly provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973. Its primary purpose was to regulate the conduct of new car suppliers, specifically by preventing certain market behaviors deemed anti-competitive or detrimental to consumers. The order’s provisions were designed to ensure a more level playing field and greater transparency in the sale of new vehicles.

Prior to its revocation, the order directly impacted how new car suppliers could operate, particularly concerning pricing and promotional activities. The ban on UK car price discrimination meant that suppliers could not offer different prices to different customers for the same vehicle under similar conditions. Controls on pre-registration aimed to prevent practices that could distort market figures or impact vehicle depreciation. Furthermore, the prevention of restrictions on price advertising ensured that consumers had access to clear and comparable pricing information, fostering greater competition.

The CMA revocation of the new cars order marks a pivotal shift in automotive sector regulation in GB. Lawyers advising new car suppliers in the UK should note the revocation of the Supply of New Cars Order 2000 by the CMA, as it removes previous prohibitions on price discrimination, pre-registration controls, and restrictions on price advertising. This change impacts commercial strategies and compliance requirements for businesses in the automotive sector, offering new avenues for market differentiation and competitive maneuvering.

Businesses within the industry will need to reassess their operational guidelines and commercial policies in light of these changes. The lifting of these specific prohibitions could lead to new approaches in sales, marketing, and distribution. Comprehensive documentation related to the inquiry that led to this decision, including the four-page, 183 KB PDF of the Revocation Order, is available for review on The National Archives website, providing full transparency into the CMA’s process and final determination.

Lawyers advising new car suppliers in the UK should note the revocation of the Supply of New Cars Order 2000 by the CMA, as it removes previous prohibitions on price discrimination, pre-registration controls, and restrictions on price advertising. This change impacts commercial strategies and compliance requirements for businesses in the automotive sector.

Source: Original reporting via GOV.UK guidance