Reps. G.K. Butterfield, Anna Eshoo, Steven LaTourette, George Miller, James Moran Co-Sponsor Bill

Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) into the 110th Congress. Joining Rep. Towns were Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Steven LaTourette (R-OH), George Miller (D-CA), and James Moran (D-VA).

"These six members of Congress understand that American consumers should have a right to choose where they get their vehicles serviced and repaired," Kathleen Schmatz, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association president and CEO. "We want to thank each of them for taking the lead and supporting this very important piece of pro-consumer and pro-small business legislation. Right to repair ensures that car owners can continue to enjoy the convenience and affordability of having their vehicle serviced at the repair shop of their choice whether it's their neighborhood repair shop or a franchised dealership."



The need for Right to Repair legislation has become apparent due to the increasing use of computers and electronics which control nearly every vehicle function from safety and emissions to entertainment. Although these computers provide many benefits to motorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for car companies to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops where they choose to obtain service for their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) would mandate that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.

"This legislation is all about who owns the car owner's vehicle, the car owner or the car company," stated David Parde, president of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality. "Consumers spend thousands of dollars to purchase their vehicle and should not be told where they should obtain those repairs by the manufacturer," Parde commented.

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 and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide their 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 http://www.righttorepair.org/

Source: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association