National Press Release

Legislation Protects Consumers from High Cost of Vehicle Repair Monopoly

BETHESDA, Md., June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the cost of vehicle ownership soars due to higher fuel costs, the need for Right to Repair legislation has become more critical in order to protect consumers from the added costs that would be created by a vehicle repair monopoly, according to Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

"Skyrocketing fuel prices have impacted the cost of owning and operating a vehicle. That cost will significantly increase if motorists are forced back to the dealer for service, making convenient and affordable auto repair a thing of the past," said Schmatz. "Without Right to Repair legislation, many motorists may forgo important vehicle repairs due to higher dealer repair costs; this situation would be exacerbated if there is no dealership in the vicinity, dramatically increasing the cost of fuel and the travel time."

The cost to consumers when they can only have their car repaired at the dealership is estimated to be as much as 25 percent higher with labor charges alone, according to a study comparing dealer repair tags with those of an independent service center.

Because vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated with virtually every system either monitored or controlled by computers, servicing these vehicle systems to keep them in safe and efficient working condition requires ready access to complete and accurate repair information from the car companies. The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) was introduced in Congress to ensure that car owners and their trusted repair shops have the same access to safety alerts and repair information as the franchised new car dealer network.

"Right to Repair merely seeks to restore a system that has been in place since the invention of the automobile," continued Schmatz. "Clearly, using advances in technology to deny consumers their right to choose where they have their car repaired is a misuse of these computers and certainly not in the consumer's best interest."

About Right to Repair:

The Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), would require car companies to make the same service information, tools and 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.

SOURCE Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association