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More House Democrats Back "Right To Repair" Bill

Legislation would give independent repair shops same rights as dealers

By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com

June 8, 2009
Seven more members of Congress have declared support of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, raising the total number of co-sponsors to 23.

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act 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.

Independent repair shops have pushed for the law, saying they are at a competitive disadvantage with dealerships, which often charge much higher prices for automotive work.

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, according to its supporter.

"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, one of the primary lobbyists pushing the bill.

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 require independent shops be treated on an equal footing as franchise dealers.

With GM and Chrysler dealerships closing by the hundreds, supporters say the measure is even more important.

"Right to Repair has gained more importance as motorists seek new neighborhood repair shops because a dealership has closed in their area," said Schmatz. "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."

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