Coalition Deems Auto Repair Legislation Unnecessary

Current Voluntary Program Operates Properly

WASHINGTON, July 1 -- The Coalition for Automotive Repair and Fair Information Xchange (CARFIX), which includes the Automotive Service Association (ASA), representing more than 65,000 independent auto service technicians employed by member businesses; the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, opposes H.R. 2048, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act.

On the bill's surface, it would require automobile manufacturers to make available to car owners and repairers the "information necessary to diagnose, service, or repair" vehicles, including all such information made available to franchised dealers. But the legislation would force the release of proprietary information irrelevant to vehicle repair.

"Manufacturers are committed to providing independent repairers with the same information as dealer operated repair facilities. This legislation would create a new federal bureaucracy that would encumber our ability to share information," said Fred Webber, CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

CARFIX supports existing voluntary efforts -- instead of a new federal bureaucracy -- to provide access to technical repair data to independent repair shops as well as all other service providers. Members of CARFIX agree that consumers should have a choice in where to have their vehicles serviced and repaired.

"The proposed legislation attempts to fix a problem that is non-existent," said Ron Pyle, ASA's President. "If it's not broke, why fix it?"

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which would be responsible for administering the new law, has expressed serious concerns about the legislation, and calls for voluntary action. The FTC said, "Possible unintended consequences associated with [the legislation] could create major difficulties in implementation." The Commission concluded, "If a suitable resolution can be obtained through the Task Force [NASTF] or a similar mechanism, it may be preferable to government intervention."

However, interests led largely by auto parts distributors have chosen to push not only for unnecessary legislation such as H.R. 2048 but also for provisions that would leave the door wide open for petty lawsuits. Legislation was originally introduced in 2001 with the intent to provide equal access to automotive repair information. The auto manufacturers reached an agreement with independent auto service businesses represented by ASA to make all service, training and diagnostic tool information available on the Internet. This commitment by the manufacturers was met and remains in place today. While many of the onerous provisions of the previously proposed legislation have been removed, members of CARFIX continue to believe the voluntary agreement to provide auto repair information by automobile manufacturers should be allowed to work.

Additionally, automakers are working with members of the service industry through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) to resolve any problems involving motor vehicle repair. In 2004, out of an estimated 471 million repairs performed by independent automotive repair businesses, NASTF received only 48 requests regarding the availability of service information or access to diagnostic tools. Auto manufacturers have investigated and responded to all of the requests.

The Coalition for Automotive Repair and Fair Information Xchange is committed to providing independent repair shops and all service providers with continued access to automotive repair data. For information, call 1-866-9CARFIX or visit http://www.carfixinfo.com/.