Small Business Owners Will Suffer Without 'Right to Repair Act'

Small Business Owners Will Suffer Without ‘Right to Repair Act’

According to leaders of several national aftermarket associations, passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act is critical toward ensuring both the economic well being of the small businesses that comprise the independent vehicle repair industry and the affordability and convenience of maintaining vehicles for American car owners.

According to leaders of several national aftermarket associations, passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act is critical toward ensuring both the economic well being of the small businesses that comprise the independent vehicle repair industry and the affordability and convenience of maintaining vehicles for American car owners.

"As independent auto repair shop owners, we are all concerned about the future of our businesses," said Pat Andersen, president of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP). "One of the key factors keeping us in the business of repairing cars is access to all of the tools, software and repair information necessary to be able to test and repair all systems on modern automobiles. Passage of the ‘Right to Repair Act’ will assure that all auto repair facilities and vehicle owners will always have equal access to the tools and repair information necessary to maintain and repair high-tech automobiles."

The "Right to Repair Act" would require the car companies to make the same service information and tool capabilities available to independent service providers that they make available to their franchised dealer networks. Architects of the "Right to Repair Act" have added new language to clarify that car company trade secrets are protected unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealer. The new language also clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements.

"Our members have been on the front line of this battle, repairing the vehicles, struggling on a daily basis with the repair information and programming question," said Paul Fiore, president of the Service Station Dealers of America. "They now view the bill as critical to their long-term survival and are very excited about the growing support."

Right to repair legislation is supported by a wide range of additional associations including the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA). In addition, the legislation has the support of small business groups such as the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and consumer groups such as AAA.

For more information about the "Right to Repair Act" visit www.RightToRepair.org.

You May Also Like

House Subcommittee Votes to Approve REPAIR Act

The REPAIR Act will now go before the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.

Members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce unanimously voted to advance the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (H.R. 906) to the full Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.

Building on two recent congressional hearings and last week’s White House roundtable on Right to Repair, this support from Congress is a promising step forward in codifying vehicle data access protections – as part of the broader right to repair movement – in federal law. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in February this year by Congressmen Neal Dunn, Brendan Boyle and Warren Davidson as well as Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the only repair shop owner in Congress. Since then, it has gained an additional 40-plus bipartisan cosponsors.

10 Years of ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program

ALI Certified Lift inspectors have inspected more than 1.3 million car lifts.

CRP Automotive Marks 40 Years of Pentosin Technical Fluids

Brand of high-tech fluids has been sold in North America since 1983.

Schaeffler Features Automotive Repair Solutions at AAPEX

Technologies on display feature repair solutions for today and tomorrow’s automotive aftermarket needs.

Litens Announces 28 New SKUs

New releases expands coverage and enhances efficiency for automotive technicians.

Other Posts

Meet MEYLE Experts at the Venetian Expo

AAPEX will be held at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas on October 31-November 2.

ASE Fall Testing Registration Open

Those registering by Dec. 31 will have 90 days to schedule an appointment to take their selected ASE tests.

AMC Introduces 1 Gallon Eco‐Pack for BUGOFF

The Eco‐Pack stands out for its environmentally conscious design, promoting a sustainable approach to car maintenance.

Visit FCS Automotive at AAPEX – Booth A4650

The AAPEX Show in Las Vegas will be held on October 31st – November 2nd.