April 14, 2022—Currently, the Right to Repair is top-of-mind for the auto repair industry. Judge Douglas Woodlock is expected to deliver a verdict on the highly anticipated Massachusetts law on Friday, April 15.
Introduced in February 2022 by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Illinois), the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (H.R. 6570) seeks to provide consumers the right to their vehicle's maintenance and repair data, as well as safeguard a free and fair repair market.
According to a press release, U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) has announced he is co-sponsoring the REPAIR Act.
Representative Davidson is actually an automotive industry alumnus himself. He ran his family's small-batch matching and fabricating business and transformed it into a high-volume contract fabrication and injection molding manufacturer.
“By prohibiting vehicle owners from accessing and sharing data they generate, manufacturers stop consumers from accessing third-party repair shops,” said Davidson in the press release. “American vehicle owners have a right to control their data, and a right to access third-party repair shops, tools, and parts. This bill would end manufacturers’ anti-competitive practices and restore consumer property rights.”
The Auto Care Association, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition, and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) are thrilled to have Davidson's support.
“Thanks to Congressman Davidson, the bill is now a bipartisan effort,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association in the press release. “We thank the representative for recognizing that consumers deserve the right to choose where they get their vehicle repaired. In a time where Americans rely on their vehicles more than ever and are keeping their vehicles longer due to economic uncertainty, we hope that other legislators follow suit.”
