Auto Industry Touts Repair Resolution

Sen. Hardy Resolution Clarifies Industry Responsibility

CARSON CITY, Nev., June 8, 2007; The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers and the Automotive Service Association applauded Senator Warren Hardy for his efforts to ensure that consumers have access to the vehicle repair facility of their choice. A recently passed resolution, sponsored by Sen. Hardy, clarifies automakers' commitment to providing the same service and training information to independent repairers as made available to franchised dealers.

Alliance CEO Dave McCurdy stated, "Manufacturers recognize the importance of the independent repair industry and want to make sure that consumers have the option of having their vehicles serviced by the repairer of their choice."

Roughly 75 percent of all post warranty repairs are performed by independent repair facilities. This resolution ensures the continuing viability of the automotive service industry and eliminates the need for current and future legislation.

AIAM President and CEO Mike Stanton said, "We believe our customers should seek vehicle repair services wherever reliable and first-rate service is offered. Auto makers work very hard to make high-quality cars and trucks, and their reputations could be jeopardized if customers felt they could not go to the service and repair store of their choosing."

To help resolve service and repair related issues, Nevada repairers are encouraged to work through the National Automotive Service Task Force. NASTF serves as a forum to identify and resolve gaps involving motor vehicle repair information and tools. This national, voluntary solution has proven to be an effective resource for repairers and manufacturers alike, and over the course of the last six years, has managed to develop an effective forum to point independent repairers to the information and tools they need and to provide a mechanism to report and resolve the few gaps that remain.

ASA President Ron Pyle added, "ASA is proud of the progress made for independent repairers relative to service, training and tool information. The 2002 ASA-Automaker agreement provides our industry a model for information that will assure repairers the necessary information for the foreseeable future. This model is indicative of the industry's ability to resolve many important issues in the marketplace without government intervention when the automotive industry works together."

This resolution underscores the longstanding and important role that independent repair facilities play in the automotive industry.