Auto Dealership Closings Make Right to Repair Act More Critical to Vehicle Owners

Legislation Ensures Convenient, Affordable Auto Repair

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 20, 2008 Nearly twenty percent of the car dealerships in America could close next year, according to a new study. This trend makes the need for the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) even more critical to car owners, according to Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

Reuters reports that the number of U.S. car dealerships closing is expected to increase into 2009, with as many as 3,800 dealerships at risk of closure because of dwindling sales and tighter credit, according to a newly released study by Grant Thornton LLP.

"The fact is that there already aren't enough dealerships in all the right places to keep every motor vehicle serviced, repaired and operating safely; now it appears that this situation is going to become worse as an increasing number of dealerships will be closing throughout the country," said Schmatz. "Without the Right to Repair Act, millions of motorists may be forced back to fewer dealers for service, making convenient and affordable local auto repair a thing of the past."

Because vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated with virtually every system either monitored or controlled by computers, servicing these vehicle systems to keep them in safe and efficient working condition requires ready access to complete and accurate repair information from the car companies. 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.

"Without Right to Repair legislation, many motorists may forgo important vehicle repairs due to the added costs of fuel and travel time because there is no dealership in the area," continued Schmatz. "Passage of the Right to Repair Act will ensure that car owners can conveniently and affordably have their vehicle serviced at the repair shop of their choice. Clearly, using advances in technology to deny motorists that choice is a misuse of these computers and certainly not in the best interest of consumers."

A complete copy of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) can be found HERE .

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.