National Task Force Negates Need for Auto Repair Legislation

ARLINGTON, Va., July 30 -- At a hearing today before the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Foreign Commerce and Tourism, auto manufacturers reported that S. 2617, "The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act" was unnecessary because of the work of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), a cooperative joint activity involving auto manufacturers, the auto service industry, and equipment and tool companies since 2000.

Testifying for the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM), John Cabaniss, director for environment and energy at AIAM and chairman of NASTF, stated, "Automakers and the service industry are partners in serving the driving public. Ensuring that the service industry has the information and tools it needs is vital to the interests of auto manufacturers."

NASTF was established to address service information, training, and tool issues and has made significant and sustained progress. In May 2001, NASTF established an Internet site to provide a reference for all technicians on how and where to obtain service information and tools from auto manufacturers. This reference is broadly publicized and updated several times per year, most recently on July 1, 2002. It includes a complaint form should access problems arise. Nearly all service information and tools are available through the listed contacts.

In October 2001, 20 auto manufacturers announced their commitment to correct any remaining gaps in service information, tools, or training materials by January 2003 for vehicles produced since 1995. All manufacturers are moving ahead on this basis, and most are covering additional models and including directories for earlier years.

Sixty-three organizations currently participate in NASTF, including such prominent auto service organizations as the Automotive Service Association, the Aftermarket Automotive Industry Association, the Service Technicians Society, and numerous others. Participation continues to grow. The auto industry is committed to NASTF as the proper venue for addressing service issues.

Members of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers include American Honda, American Suzuki, Aston Martin Lagonda, Denso International, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Robert Bosch, Saab, Subaru, and Toyota. For more information about AIAM and its members, visit http://www.aiam.org .