Drivers in a Fix for Car Repairs Without 'Right to Repair' Legislation

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 18, 2007; If left up to car manufacturers, consumers won't have a choice of where to bring their vehicles to be serviced or repaired. However, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) was recently introduced in Congress to protect the rights of car owners to decide where and how they have their vehicles serviced, whether at the new car dealer or an independent service facility.

"In the United States, there are nearly 225 million vehicles and only 21,640 car dealerships. I'm not great in math, but 225,000,000 divided by 21,640 looks like the makings of a disaster for American consumers unless something is done," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). "The growing congressional support of the Right to Repair Act shows that Congress is taking this piece of legislation very seriously and wants their constituents to have the right to choose where to have their vehicles serviced and repaired."

The need for Right to Repair legislation has become apparent due to the increasing use of computers and electronics which control nearly every vehicle function from safety and emissions to entertainment. Although these computers provide many benefits to motorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for car companies to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops where they choose to obtain service for their vehicles. The Right to Repair Act would mandate that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.

"This legislation is all about who owns the car owner's vehicle, the car owner or the car company. Right to Repair ensures that car owners can continue to enjoy the convenience and affordability of having their vehicle serviced at the repair shop of their choice, whether it's their neighborhood repair shop or a franchised dealership," continued Schmatz.

About Right to Repair:

The Right to Repair Act (HR 2694), 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 their 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 http://www.righttorepair.org/.