Tire Industry Association Strongly Supports Passage of 'Right to Repair' Legislation

Servicing Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) Requires Ready Access to Repair Information

BETHESDA, Md., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Tire Industry Association has declared its support of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) and strongly urges Congress to pass the legislation in order to ensure that car owners and their trusted repair shops have the same access to safety alerts and repair information as the franchised new car dealer network.

"We have always supported Right to Repair, but because most new vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that are controlled by computers, we felt compelled to formally state our position," said Roy Littlefield, executive vice president of the Tire Industry Association. "TPMS systems cannot take the place of regular maintenance on tires, but are intended to protect motorists from the dangers of operating a vehicle with underinflated tires. Keeping these systems updated and in safe working condition requires ready access to complete and accurate information from the car companies."

The legislative intent of the Right to Repair Act is to offer protections for motor vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles. Right to Repair ensures that car owners can have their vehicle serviced at the repair shop of their choice, whether it's their neighborhood repair shop or a franchised new car dealer.

"We encourage our members and all motorists to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of their congressional representatives, urging them to support the Right to Repair Act (HR 2694)," continued Littlefield.

About the Tire Industry Association:

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. TIA was formed by the July 2002 merger of the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA). The association is headquartered in Bowie, Maryland and has over 4,500 current members.

About Right to Repair:

The Right to Repair Act, 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 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 www.righttorepair.org.