Rules governing automotive parts design in the European Union could be overhauled, following a vote next month by the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee. The European Commission has proposed a liberalisation of design protection rules, which would extend to some of the continent's largest automotive markets. Independent aftermarket suppliers in 17 member states, including the UK, already have access to technical data and under the proposals that access would be made available to 10 others. Those countries that still have design protection include the major markets Germany and France. European vehicle manufacturers have vehemently opposed the proposals. An Acea report claims the abolition of design protection would not only hurt the industry but provide little benefit for consumers and jeopardise safety. The carmakers association said that prices were not necessarily lower in member states without protection, citing the UK as an example of an unprotected state with many parts priced higher than those in Germany and France, where design protection is maintained.