House Subcommittee Approves Right to Repair Act

BETHESDA, MD – May 25, 2006: The independent automotive aftermarket today scored a major victory in its battle for passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) when the Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee voted in favor of the legislation in an open mark-up session on Capitol Hill, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

Although the bill was amended during the meeting, the goal of the legislation remained intact: Requiring the Federal Trade Commission to enforce requirements that independent repair shops have access to the same information and tools that are available to new car dealers, according to Aaron Lowe, vice president of government affairs, AAIA.

“The close 14-13 favorable vote came despite an intense lobbying effort launched by the vehicle manufacturers, new car dealers and the Automotive Service Association,” Lowe said.

“After four years of work by AAIA and a coalition of national and state aftermarket groups, this is a very big step in our drive to ensure the future of our industry,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “While we continue to hold out hope that the car companies will come back to the table to discuss a non-legislative agreement, we are prepared to continue to drive this legislation through the full committee and the entire legislative process to the desk of the president if need be.”

Two amendments to the bill were accepted by the subcommittee. One addressed the need for a study by the General Accounting Office to measure the scope of service information availability problems being encountered by independent repair shops. The other amendment further clarified that the intent of the legislation is to ensure that the intellectual property of the vehicle manufacturers is thoroughly protected.

About AAIA

AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 8,000 member companies and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.