Florida State Senator Dave Aronberg Introduces 'Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act,'

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 20, 2007; "Florida motorists and the automotive independent repair industry thank State Senator Dave Aronberg (D-Greenacres) for introducing 'The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act', SB 2890," stated David Parde, president, The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE).

The reason for the bill is to allow motoring consumers the choice of where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired. "Most motorists believe that when they purchase their vehicle, they own it and are able to make decisions on its repairs. Not when the car companies have complete control of the repairs. Vehicles that are 1994 and newer (and some earlier models) are equipped with computers that control the repair information on vital systems of the vehicle, among them: air bags, brakes, steering mechanisms, ignition keys and systems, tire pressure, oil changes, climate control, transmissions, fuel injection, batteries and much more.

The only sure way for motorists to have these systems and their "entire" vehicle repaired is to return to the car dealerships. This has created a potential monopoly that hurts everyone who drive and owns a vehicle, especially low- and fixed-income motorists, such as senior citizens, it creates safety hazards for those who need immediate repairs but do not live near the appropriate car dealership or may be traveling without any car dealership nearby, and hurts the environment (the more vehicles that can be repaired at the maximum number of locations the cleaner running the vehicles thus the cleaner the air).

"The question for motoring consumers is, 'Who owns your car? You or the car companies? SB 2890 says, you do.' That means that consumers who own property, this time their vehicles, have the right to make repair choices that best suit their needs.

"There are nearly 13,000 independent repair location in Florida. They provide quality and affordable repairs for millions of vehicle owners every year. Senate Bill 2890, if passed, will ensure that continues," said Parde.

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act has many supporting organizations, among them: AAA, headquartered in Orlando; National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB); RetireSafe, which represents 400,000 seniors nationwide; National Grange; Retail Industry Leaders Association; and many others.

"Those who will gain from the coming car company monopoly are the car companies their dealerships, which is why they oppose the consumers and will fight to kill this bill. Senator Aronberg has proven that Florida legislators are more concerned with consumers' rights than big car companies," concluded Parde.

The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), is a national organization representing companies in the automotive aftermarket, among them: NAPA, Midas, CARQUEST, AutoZone, Advance Auto, O'Reilly's and others.