"Right to Repair" Act Would Prohibit Auto Manufacturers from Locking Out Aftermarket Consumer Electronics

ARLINGTON, Va.--May 17, 2006--The Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA(R)) President and CEO Gary Shapiro sent a letter to members of Congress urging the support of H.R. 2048, the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act, introduced in 2005 by House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) and Representatives Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Darrell Issa (R-CA). The bill would protect consumers' rights to upgrade and repair their automobiles where they want and with the products of their choice.

"Americans should have the right to choose which new technologies are used in their vehicle, as well as the right to choose who installs these products," said Shapiro. "As vehicles continue to become more electronically complex, automobile manufacturers have begun implementing specific proprietary access codes to allow access to the advanced computer mainframe. This effectively has caused many consumers and their independent installer to be locked out of their own vehicle when it comes to the installation of new mobile electronics products such as video screens, navigation devices and audio systems.

"H.R. 2048 would put independent dealers and manufacturers on the same playing field as car companies and their franchised dealer network. This bill does not require car manufacturer's proprietary information to be shared," continued Shapiro. "We believe this bill would promote greater consumer choice, lower prices and ensure a competitive landscape for mobile electronics installers and manufacturers. I urge other members of Congress to join the 102 Congressional sponsors of this Act."

Shapiro's letter to members of Congress is available at: http://www.ce.org/shared_files/recent_actions/217Barton%20HR2048.pdf

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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