The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Auto Alliance) and the
Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) –
representing a total of 26 automakers – joined the
Automotive
Service Association (ASA) to urge the Massachusetts House of
Representatives to reject what it called “a seriously flawed”
Right to Repair measure recently passed by the Massachusetts
Senate.
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That measure, S.2267, was created outside of the committee
process and approved by the Senate over objections from
automakers, independent repair shops, dealers, and labor unions,
ASA said. It does not represent a negotiated agreement amongst
the parties.
Automakers currently provide access to information and tools
necessary to repair today’s modern vehicles in the same format
and at fair and reasonable prices to consumers, independent
repairers, and dealers alike, the groups contend. In the
letter, automakers reiterate that they have agreed to support
legislation that codifies and formalizes the existing current
practice of providing service information to the aftermarket –
similar to an agreement signed by all three organizations in
2002 – which would provide further assurance that these
resources would always be available equally and securely.
In their letter to legislators, the group writes:
Unfortunately, the Senate-passed bill fails to address our most
critical concerns and would allow Massachusetts’ innovation
economy to become an island of outdated automotive technology.
The Senate-passed legislation establishes new mandates that
would necessitate the global redesign of vehicles,
insufficiently protects intellectual property, and creates an
enforcement scheme that will lead to the Commonwealth becoming a
hub for business-to-business litigation over automotive parts
design. S.2267 sends the wrong message to all job creators.
The letter was signed by Matthew Godlewski, Vice President of
State Affairs for the Auto Alliance, Michael Stanton, President
and CEO of Global Automakers, and Ron Pyle, ASA President and
Chief Staff Executive.
Automakers and ASA members remain committed to advancing
negotiations toward a solution to this issue that will ensure
the vehicle repair process remains affordable, accessible, and
focused on providing quality and maximizing safety for
consumers.
