The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), announced it has been involved in ongoing discussions in the U.S. House regarding vehicle safety legislation

“On Oct. 21, MEMA Senior Vice President Ann Wilson testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee as the major representative of motor vehicle suppliers – including the aftermarket,” said Bill Long, president and chief operating officer of AASA. “It is vital for our elected officials to hear from aftermarket suppliers, since new car dealers only represent approximately 14.3 percent of the total automotive service outlets and 28.1 percent of the service bays where light vehicles can go for repairs and maintenance.

AASA reported that it continues to lobby House members on the following changes to the draft legislation:

• Secure Vehicle Gateway: AASA has proposed adding language to the draft bill directing NHTSA to work with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to develop a secure vehicle gateway, using a recognized standard setting body or organization.

• Cyber Security and Access to Vehicle Electronics: AASA has proposed clarifying language stating that accessing vehicle electronics shall be authorized when a vehicle owner has a vehicle serviced or diagnosed by a dealer or independent repair facility.

• Vehicle Inspections: AASA has proposed language to the draft legislation requiring NHTSA to report annual data on accidents, injuries, and fatalities in states that have vehicle inspections programs and states that do not. MEMA believes vehicle inspections enhance safety, and requiring NHTSA to track and report this information will support that effort.

“The majority of service (approximately 70 percent) is performed by the independent aftermarket,” Wilson said in her testimony. “Technology in new vehicles contains enhanced electronic information about vehicle systems that are critical to diagnostic and repair work. The independent aftermarket must have access to this data to ensure that motorists have access to a wide range of repair options as they do today.

A copy of her testimony can be found here.