BETHESDA, MD – July 12, 2010 – The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) strongly urges Congress to pass the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S 3181/HR 2057), according to Michael E. Wilson, CEO of ARA.
“Passage of the Right to Repair Act will ensure that the automotive repair industry remains competitive so that car owners can affordably and conveniently have their vehicles serviced,” said Wilson. “By providing access to all car company repair information and tools, the Right to Repair Act ensures that car owners will be able to use cost effective recycled auto parts and have those repairs performed by someone they choose or to do the work themselves.”
Modern cars and light trucks contain advanced technology that monitors or controls virtually every function of the vehicle including brakes, steering, air bags, fuel delivery, ignition and more. Car owners and independent shops need full access to the information, parts and tools necessary to accurately diagnose, repair or reprogram these systems. Vehicle manufacturers are making access to such vital information increasingly difficult and costly to obtain for independent repair shops and their customers. Without access to critical information, parts and tools, motorists are forced to patronize new car dealerships which may not be convenient or easily accessible to a car owner.
“The adoption of the Right to Repair Act will allow independent repair facilities and automobile recyclers to compete on a level playing field and foster healthy, fair competition. Our members have to turn customers away everyday who want to use affordable recycled auto parts due to the extensive difficulties in cost effectively obtaining from the vehicle manufacturer the information needed to reinitialize the car's computer in order to make the part work and complete the repair,” continued Wilson. “Right to Repair would not affect the dealer's warranty agreement with the vehicle manufacturers and it would not require disclosure of manufacturing processes or trade secrets.”
The Right to Repair Act has bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. The Senate version of the bill (S 3181) was recently introduced by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) and has 4 co-sponsors. The House version (HR 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) and currently has 67 co-sponsors.
About Automotive Recyclers Association:
Established in 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” automotive parts, and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA represents over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and fourteen other countries around the world. With programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler Program (CAR) and other partnerships, ARA members continue to provide consumers with quality, low cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a “greener” tomorrow. To learn more about the Association, visit ARA online at www.a-r-a.org or call (571) 208-0428.
About Right to Repair:
The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S3181) was introduced into the Senate by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS). The House version of the bill (HR 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA). The Right to Repair Act protects consumers from a growing vehicle repair monopoly by requiring 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. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.
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