Since the re-introduction of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) into the 111th Congress recently, the bill has gained five co-sponsors.
United States Reps. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.), Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have joined bill’s original co-sponsors, Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and George Miller (D-Calif.).
“Within a week of the bill’s introduction, the inclusion of these five members of Congress from both sides of the aisle signals growing support in Congress for the Right to Repair Act,” says Kathleen Schmatz, CEO and president of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
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 working condition requires ready access to complete and accurate information from the car companies, according to Schmatz.
“Right to Repair has become more important than ever as motorists seek new neighborhood repair shops because a dealership has closed in their area. This important piece of legislation ensures that local auto repair remains available to car owners throughout the country.”
The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act HR 2057 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.
For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.
