WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) today thanked Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) and updated him on the status of a landmark, voluntary service information agreement brokered in 2002. Five years ago Congress challenged the auto industry to come up with a voluntary solution to a problem that existed with independent repairer access to automobile service, repair and training information.
Congressman Westmoreland has been a leader in opposing the so-called Motor Vehicle Owners "Right to Repair" Act. He recognizes that because service information is being shared by all sectors of the automotive industry, there is no need for legislation. He has worked hard to ensure that businesses are protected from intellectual property theft.
Alliance CEO Dave McCurdy stated, "Manufacturers recognize the importance of the independent repair industry and remain committed to ensuring that consumers have the option of having their vehicles serviced by the repairer of their choice. Automakers thank Congressman Westmoreland for his leadership on this issue. He has worked to protect the interests of consumers, repairers and manufacturers."
There is no question that as automobiles and auto repair has become more complex it has become increasingly difficult for technicians, independent repairers and dealerships alike to remain abreast of technology for all of the makes and models they traditionally support. Automotive computers monitor and control everything from airbag safety systems and anti-lock brakes to GPS systems, fuel economy and emissions controls. These systems require independent repairers to invest in the tools, training and equipment necessary to properly service theses automobiles.
AIAM President and CEO Mike Stanton said, "We believe our customers should be able to seek vehicle repair services wherever reliable and first-rate service is offered. Auto makers work very hard to make high-quality cars and trucks, and their reputations could be jeopardized if customers felt they could not go to the service and repair shop of their choosing."
Approximately 75 percent of all post warranty repairs are performed by independent repair facilities. This voluntary agreement ensures the continuing viability of the automotive service industry and eliminates the need for current and future legislation.
To help resolve service and repair related issues independent repairers are encouraged to work through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). NASTF serves as a forum to identify and resolve gaps involving motor vehicle repair information and tools. This national, voluntary solution has proven to be an effective resource for repairers and manufacturers alike, and over the course of the last six years has become a productive forum for dialogue between independent repairers, other industry stakeholders and automakers as well as an effective mechanism to help identify and resolve the few information gaps that remain.
ASA President Ron Pyle added, "ASA is proud of the progress made for independent repairers relative to service, training and tool information. The 2002 ASA-Automaker agreement has provided our industry with a model for information that will assure repairers the necessary information for the foreseeable future. This model is indicative of the industry's ability to resolve many important issues in the marketplace without government intervention when the automotive industry works together."
The Alliance is a trade association of nine car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) member companies include American Honda Motor Co., American Suzuki Motor Corp., Aston Martin Lagonda of North America, Inc., Ferrari North America, Inc., Hyundai Motor America, Isuzu Motors America, Inc., Kia Motors America, Maserati North America, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., Nissan North America, Inc., Peugeot Motors of America, Renault, SA, Subaru of America and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. AIAM also represents original equipment suppliers and other automotive-related trade associations.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
