European Union – Consumer protection. The Court of Justice of the European Union gave a preliminary ruling concerning the interpretation of arts 1(2)(a) and 5 of Directive (EC) 1999/44 (on certain aspects of the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees). The request had been made in proceedings between Ms Faber and the Hazet Garage concerning a claim for compensation for the damage caused by the lack of conformity which had allegedly marred the vehicle that Ms Faber had purchased at that garage.