Associations Urge Government to Protect Consumer Choice with Vehicle Technology  - Tire Review Magazine

Associations Urge Government to Protect Consumer Choice with Vehicle Technology 

The Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) are asking the U.S. Copyright Office to protect consumer choice by allowing the independent aftermarket greater access to software-enabled components and parts.

Commenting on the Copyright Office’s “Software-Enabled Consumer Products Study,” AASA and MERA noted that U.S. copyright laws currently grant exemptions for those vehicle owners who repair their own vehicles, or do-it-yourselfers. However, other current provisions severely limit the ability of consumers to have their vehicles serviced and repaired with the software-enabled component of their choice in the independent aftermarket, the associations claim.

“The independent aftermarket has seen a growing number of replacement parts redesigned with sensors or micro-computers with alleged technological protection measures (TPMs) protection for vehicles 5 to 10 years old,” said Bill Long, AASA president and COO. “These are components that consumers may need to replace over the life of their vehicles. The U.S. Copyright Office should encourage policies that protect consumer choice and ensures convenience, affordability and a competitive market.”

“Vehicle owners must retain the freedom of choice regarding the servicing and repair of their vehicles. This freedom has existed for more than 100 years, well before the employment of TPMs in vehicles,” said John Chalifoux, MERA president and COO. “In order to do this, the independent aftermarket must also have the freedom to repair or modify vehicles, which will include access to vehicle software and circumvention of TPMs.”

In a statement to the Copyright Office, AASA and MERA urged the office to use this Software-Enabled Consumer Products Study as an opportunity to develop a future direction for copyright law that does not create roadblocks or rescind the freedom of choice for consumers to have their vehicles serviced and repaired as they deem appropriate.

 

You May Also Like

Yokohama Rubber reveals 2024 motorsports activity plan

Yokohama said participation in motorsports activities is crucial to its efforts to strengthen the Advan and GeoLandar brands.

Yokohama-Nitrocross

Yokohama Rubber revealed its motorsports activity plan for 2024. The company said participation in motorsports activities is crucial to its efforts to strengthen the Advan and GeoLandar brands and is again participating in a wide variety of motorsports events around the globe, from top-category to grassroots events.

Yokohama Rubber will again supply its Advan tires to many teams participating in motorsports events, such as Japan’s Super GT, the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Yokohama Rubber’s GeoLandar tires will be supplied to teams participating in off-road races in North America and Asia, including the Baja 1000, King of the Hammers, the Mint 400 and the Asia Cross Country Rally.

TIA’s Advanced Farm Tire Service training to take place in June

The training class for technicians in the agricultural and farm tire industries is set to take place June 11-14.

TIA_training-
Maxxis-sponsored athletes make podium, overall top 10 at Mint 400

Maxxis athletes Michael McFayden, Ethan Ebert and Trey Gibbs had podium finishes at the Mint 400 on Maxxis RAZR XT tires.

2024-mint400-maxxis
Sun Auto Tire reveals winner of Ford Bronco Sport giveaway

Lowell Anderson entered the giveaway at his local Sun Auto Tire & Service store while receiving a routine oil change.

Sun-Auto-Bronco-giveaway
Nokian Tyres holds bracket challenge on worst roads in North America

In 2023, the tiremaker’s audience voted Quebec as the province or state with the worst road conditions on the continent.

Pothole-Protection-from-Nokian-Tyres

Other Posts

Gallery: 2024 Big O Tires conference and convention

Highlights from this year’s Big O Tires conference and convention, featuring a general session, trade show and breakout sessions.

Gary-Skidmore
Bridgestone’s Firestone Liberia rubber farm receives ISCC Plus recognition

According to Bridgestone, its Liberia facility earned the ISCC Plus certification for its efforts in reducing environmental impacts.

Firestone_Liberia
Ascenso Tires adds new OEM sales manager

Douglas Duesing has more than ten years of experience working in agriculture, construction and mining OEMs.

Ascenso-Douglas-Duesing-1400
Nexen Tire Motorsports drivers earn top placements at King of the Hammers

Nexen Tire Motorsports partnered with drivers across a variety of racing series both on- and off-road, including King of the Hammers.

Nexen-KOH