July 6, 2022—As another delay impedes progress in the Right to Repair battle, the Automotive Care Alliance is asking its members to step up their support of the proposed legislation, ‘Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act’ (H.R. 6570), which puts the power of automotive repair choice into the hands of the consumer and allow independent repair shops access to pertinent tools and data to help these customers.
“ACA looks forward to working together with all the partners and be involved in a grassroots effort to gain support for HR 6570 The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act. The opportunity to work together with the Auto Care Association as well as other associations that already support HR6570 with a united effort will enhance our grassroots positions,” said Ross Colket, Mid-Atlantic Auto Care Alliance president and ACA Legislative Committee member, in the press release.
The ACA has outlined the following objectives that the Right to Repair Act will accomplish within the industry:
- Consumer choice. Customers of auto repair shops will have high-quality and affordable auto repair by independent shops that have access to necessary tools and data.
- Equipment access. Independent shops will have access to critical repair tools and vehicle repair technology.
- Cybersecurity. As stated by the press release, this allows “vehicle manufacturers to secure vehicle-generated data and requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop standards for how vehicle-generated data necessary for repair can be accessed securely.”
- Transparency. Ensures that consumers are informed that they have the right to have their vehicle repaired at a shop of their choice.
- Ongoing communication. Creating a stakeholder advisory committee and providing them with the statutory authority to provide recommendations to the FTC on how to address emerging barriers to vehicle repair and maintenance.
- Continued oversight. Establishing a process for consumers and independent repair shops to report violations of Right to Repair to the FTC.
Those supporting Right to Repair and the efforts of the Auto Care Alliance are asked to write a letter to their congressional representative showing their support of the legislation, as well as starting conversations with their customers about Right to Repair.
“With the ever-advancing technology and the need for repair information, this is the time to get legislation passed. Without the ability to access technical repair manuals, wiring schematics, software updates, and vehicle security systems our independent repair shops are at a major disadvantage. The time is now to keep our shops competitive and, on a level playing field with the manufacturers. I believe this legislation goes a long way in keeping us competitive,” stated Bryan Kelley, NWACA Past-President and ACA Legislative Committee member.
