National Press Release

Reps. Etheridge, Filner, Hare, Honda, Rothman, Sestak, Shea-Porter Support HR 2057

BETHESDA, Md., June 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Seven more members of Congress declared their support of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) following the Memorial Day recess, raising the total number of co-sponsors to 23.

Reps. Bob Etheridge (D-NC), Bob Filner (D-CA), Phil Hare (D-IL), Michael Honda (D-CA), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Joe Sestak (D-PA) and Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) are the most recent co-sponsors of the Right to Repair Act which has gained new co-sponsors nearly each week since its introduction.

"We applaud these seven members of Congress for supporting this critical piece of legislation which ensures the continued availability of convenient and affordable vehicle repairs for consumers," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

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 information from the car companies. The Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) was introduced into the 111th Congress by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) 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 has gained more importance as motorists seek new neighborhood repair shops because a dealership has closed in their area. This bill ensures equitable access to repair information, protecting consumers' right to select the repair facility of their choice, while also protecting car company trade secrets. With all the uncertainty in the automotive industry these days, it is clear that the time to pass Right to Repair is now," continued Schmatz.

About Right to Repair:

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA), would require car companies to make the same service information and tools 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