The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has joined other global association leaders to support the global right to repair movement by signing the new right to repair position statement.
The statement highlights the core beliefs of the movement and the objectives and intended outcomes of the right to repair legislation.
The document also sets forth 10 best practice principles to develop a framework for the right to repair legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt to their needs.
According to TIA officials, globally, the automotive aftermarket keeps 1.5 billion vehicles on the road while contributing $1.8 trillion to the global economy. After vehicles exit their warranty period, independent repair shops perform 70% of repairs.
TIA believes this industry and the consumer choice that it creates is being “threatened by automotive manufacturers that block access to wirelessly transmitted vehicle repair and maintenance data."
In the United States, the automotive aftermarket is a $492 billion industry employing 4.5 million professionals, according to the Auto Care Association.
“Right to repair is a top priority for TIA members and for the global automotive aftermarket,” says Dick Gust, CEO of TIA.
“Without safeguards, independent automotive repairers and vehicle owners will have fewer repair options, face longer wait times and pay higher prices when they repair their vehicles. It is crucial for independent auto repair locations to have access to the equipment and data needed to repair today’s highly technological vehicles and that consumers have a choice in where they get their vehicles repaired.”
Both Australia and South Africa have successfully retained their drivers’ right to repair their vehicles. These countries are a model for similar legislation in the United States.
Read the full position statement here.
Organizations interested in supporting the right to repair vehicles of all classes can contact Roy Littlefield IV, vice president of government affairs, TIA at [email protected], to join the global movement.
