Returning from August Recess, Congressional Support for 'Right to Repair Act' at 40

Supporters of Pending Legislation Seek Fair Competition for Auto Repair Industry

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Congress returns from the August recess, 40 members of Congress have declared their support of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057).

Congressional support for the Right to Repair Act has steadily grown since its introduction. Most recently, Reps. G. K. Butterfield (D-NC), Bill Delahunt (D-CA), Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Maurice D. Hinchey (D-NY), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Mike McIntyre (D-NC), James P. Moran (D-VA), Thomas S.P. Perriello (D-VA) and Albio Sires (D-NJ) have added their names to the list of co-sponsors.

"The Right to Repair Act simply requires that vehicle manufacturers provide car owners and their trusted neighborhood repair shops with the same access to the same repair information they provide to their dealer network - nothing more, nothing less," said Ray Pohlman, president of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). "Supporters of Right to Repair are not seeking an unfair advantage, nor are they looking for access to the proprietary information protected by the bill. Instead, they are asking Congress to ensure that all automotive repair facilities are able to compete fairly now and in the future."

Because vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated with virtually every system either monitored or controlled by computers, servicing these vehicle systems to keep them in safe working order requires ready access to complete and accurate information, tools and software from the car companies. The Right to Repair Act protects motorists by allowing them to completely own the repair information when they purchase their vehicles, new or used, so that they can choose where, how and by whom they have their vehicles repaired.

"Allowing independent repair shops to compete on a level playing field promotes fair competition and ensures that car owners throughout the country continue to have access to affordable and convenient automotive repair," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). "The Right to Repair Act does not cost taxpayers money, but instead helps them keep money in their pockets by ensuring they have affordable choices when it comes to auto repair. We encourage all vehicle owners to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to their U.S. representative and senators urging them to support passage of the Right to Repair Act."

About Right to Repair:

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA), 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.