<|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|>The European Commission wants new powers to oversee the way new cars are approved before they are sold, but it has never used a key scrutinising power it has had for more than eight years, the EUobserver has learned.
Under current rules,<wm> if a vehicle inspection needs to be done, the company must consult industry experts for a fee and that only if the product in question can't be purchased within reasonable reach to the ordinary consumer of the product or could potentially pose a health and safety issue.
New regulations would allow the Commission to step in if the company doesn't respond promptly and get approval for a safe and compliant product, and only do it if there are good reasons to do so. Manufacturers have argued that new regulations could lead to higher prices</wm> for car buyers and to the reduction of the quality of the cars, while critics say they are afraid