Legislative Protection Will Keep Auto Repair Market Competitive BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 6
BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As car manufacturers add
more computer technology to vehicles, smart oversight over the automotive
industry is needed to protect consumers from the added costs created by a
vehicle repair monopoly, according to Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of
the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
"It has become clear in recent days that a competitive marketplace backed
by smart government oversight will protect American consumers and small
businesses," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive
Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). "Local vehicle repair shops are
fighting for the same oversight protection, the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to
Repair Act, to guarantee that consumers can choose where they want their
vehicle serviced and repaired."
Historically, independent repair shops have had complete access to repair
information, but as computers have become more prevalent on newer vehicles,
car manufacturers are increasingly locking out car owners and their trusted
repair shops from critical safety alerts as well as the information and
software necessary to use on-board computers to complete repairs. The Motor
Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2694) was introduced in Congress to
offer protections for vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle
manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair
motor vehicles.
"Clearly, using advances in technology to deny motorists their right to
choose where they have their car repaired is a misuse of these computers and
certainly not in the best interest of consumers," continued Schmatz. "Without
Right to Repair legislation, many motorists may forgo important vehicle
repairs due to higher new car dealer repair costs. The situation would be
exacerbated if there is no dealership in the vicinity, dramatically increasing
the cost of fuel and the travel time."
A complete copy of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694)
can be found by visiting http://www.righttorepair.org/HR2694.pdf.
About Right to Repair:
The Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-
NY), would require car companies to make the same service information and
tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to
their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides car
companies with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that
information is provided to the franchised new car dealers. The bill clarifies
the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill's
requirements. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit
www.RightToRepair.org.
SOURCE Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association
