New Law Can Keep Marketplace Competitive

An act now before Congress could ensure the well-being of hundreds of small businesses-and help save consumers money. The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act would offer owners greater choice in getting their vehicles serviced.
According to leaders of several national aftermarket associations, passage of the act is critical toward ensuring the affordability and convenience of maintaining vehicles for America's car owners.
"As independent auto repair shop owners, we are all concerned about the future of our businesses," said Pat Andersen, president of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers. "One of the key factors keeping us in the business of repairing cars is access to all of the tools, software and repair information necessary to be able to test and repair all systems on modern automobiles. Passage of the Right to Repair Act will assure that all auto repair facilities and vehicle owners will always have equal access to the tools and repair information necessary to maintain and repair high-tech automobiles."
The Right to Repair Act would require the car companies to make the same service information and tool capabilities available to independent service providers that they make available to their franchised dealer networks. Car company trade secrets are protected unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealer.
"Our members have been on the front line of this battle, repairing the vehicles, struggling on a daily basis with the repair information and programming question," said Paul Fiore, president of the Service Station Dealers of America. "They now view the bill as critical to their long-term survival and are very excited about the growing support."
Right to repair legislation is supported by a wide range of additional associations including the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association, Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association, Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association, Coalition for Auto Repair Equality and the Tire Industry Association. In addition, the legislation has the support of small-business groups such as the National Federation of Independent Business and consumer groups such as AAA.