Re-introduced by Representatives Joe Barton (R-TX), Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Darrel Issa (R-CA), the proposed legislation requires that automobile manufacturers make available to consumers and independent service and repair shops the same service and tool information that car dealers have.
Proponents feel this will foster free market competition and affordable choices for consumers.
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to obtain passage of right to repair legislation,’” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). “Support for the bill continues to grow quickly as more and more members of Congress learn the facts about the bill.
"Supported by a coalition of over 40 national and state organizations, passage of the ‘Right to Repair Act’ is vital to preserving the right of consumers to choose where they have their vehicles repaired," she added.
“The automotive aftermarket is unified in its goal of passing the bill," said David Parde, president of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). Small businesses, companies and individuals comprising the automotive aftermarket are keenly aware that, if the bill doesn’t pass, not only will the aftermarket lose business, but consumers will be big losers, as well. Consumers will lose money, they will lose convenience, they will lose their freedom of choice in where to take their cars for repair, and they will lose the most important thing, which is the feeling of ownership.”
