Congressional Support Growing for Fair Competition in Auto Repair Industry

Reps. Capuano, Carney, Conaway, Meeks, Miller Support Right to Repair Act

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Five more members of Congress declared their support of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057). Reps. Michael E. Capuano (D-MA), Christopher P. Carney (D-PA), Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Michael K. Conaway (R-TX) and Brad Miller (D-NC) are the most recent co-sponsors of Right to Repair, which has gained steady support since its introduction. The bill now has 45 sponsors.

"We applaud these five members of Congress for backing this critical piece of pro-consumer and pro-small business legislation," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). "It has become clear that a competitive marketplace backed by smart government oversight will protect American consumers and small businesses. Right to repair seeks to ensure that car owners continue to have a choice on where they have their vehicle repaired, whether it's an independently owned neighborhood repair shop or a new car dealership."

"While advances in technology have benefited consumers, the environment and highway safety, it is critical that repairs shops have ready access to accurate information, tools and software needed to maintain and service late model vehicles. By requiring that car companies make this information available to all repair shops, the Right to Repair Act ensures that motorists, and not the manufacturers, determine where, how and by whom they have their vehicles repaired," Schmatz added.

"As car manufacturers add more 'smart car' computer technology to vehicles, the need for the Right to Repair Act has become more critical in order to protect consumers from the added costs created by a vehicle repair monopoly," said Ray Pohlman, president of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). "The Right to Repair Act does not cost taxpayers money, but instead helps keep money in their pockets by ensuring they have affordable choices when it comes to auto repair."

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.