UPDATE 1-EU tightens antitrust rules for carmakers

* More difficult for makers to mandate where cars are fixed

* Easier for repairers to use alternative spare parts

* Rules for carmakers valid June 1, 2013

* Rules for car repair sector in force on June 1, 2010

(Adds lawyers, industry body comments, details)

By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS, May 27 (Reuters) - Carmakers will find it more difficult to insist on where cars are repaired and which spare parts are used under new rules unveiled by European Union regulators on Thursday.

Under the new rules, car makers will no longer be able to make warranties conditional on having an oil change or other car services take place only in authorised garages.

It will be easier for independent car repairers to get access to technical information on sophisticated models. There will also be safeguards for car dealers selling competing brands.

The rules, which will come into force on June 1 for the car repair sector, will reduce consumers' repair bills which make up about 40 percent of the cost of owning a car, the European Commission said.

The car sales market will continue to be governed by existing rules until June 2013, when the new rules will make it easier for manufacturers to set up networks of dealerships.

"The price of a spare part can vary widely and a repairer could save a lot of money for his customers by shopping around," Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia told a news conference.

"I hope prices will go down as soon as possible," he said.

FIGIEFA, which represents 27 car distributor bodies worldwide, said the measures sent a clear message to car makers and would ensure a level playing field. Motoring consumers body FIA also gave its thumbs up.

"This should not only be good news for spare parts manufacturers but also for repairers who are likely to enjoy greater choice and competitive prices," said Michael Rosenthal, a partner at law firm Hunton & Williams.

CECRA, which represents 27 national motor repair bodies, said it too welcomed "better regulation" of the sector.

Some carmakers may decide not to wait out the three-year transitional period, said antitrust lawyer Andrzej Kmiecik who acts for various clients in the car sector.

"The critical comments made by the Commission concerning the dealer protection clauses could be used by car makers starting now to justify no longer giving dealers these rights in new agreements instead of waiting for the new block exemption rules to come into effect in 2013," he said.

The EU executive in September 2007 forced DaimlerChrysler, Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), General Motors [GM.UL] and Fiat (FIA.MI) to provide independent garages access to repair information.

(Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)