'Right to Repair Act' Gains More Congressional Support

24 Co-Sponsors Support H.R. 2694

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 8, 2007 Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2007 (H.R. 2694) has reached 24 co-sponsors, it was announced today by Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). The proposed legislation gained four new co-sponsors on August 1.

"We want to thank the four new co-sponsors for supporting this vital piece of legislation that benefits every car owner and small independent repair shop," said Schmatz. "The growing co-sponsor list for the Right to Repair Act demonstrates the commitment by many members of Congress to ensuring that their constituents, and not the large car companies, retain the ability to choose where to have their vehicle serviced and repaired."

The new legislators supporting the "Right to Repair Act" are Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Donald Payne (D-NJ) and Albert Russell Wynn (D-MD). For a complete list of co-sponsors, visit right to http://www.righttorepair.org/.

The need for Right to Repair legislation has become apparent due to the increasing use of computers and electronics which control nearly every vehicle function from safety and emissions to entertainment. Although these computers provide many benefits to motorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for car companies to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops where they choose to obtain service for their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act would mandate that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.

About Right to Repair:

The Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2694), which was introduced by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), would require car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide their to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealers. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill's requirements. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit http://www.righttorepair.org/.