BETHESDA, Md. — The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has released the results of a survey of 1,000 independent repair shop owners, service managers and service technicians which claims that $5.8 billion in service and parts sales is being lost annually because these repairers are unable to readily access the necessary repair information and tools from car manufacturers to properly diagnose and repair vehicles, according to AAIA. The survey, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, apparently contradicts recent statements made by the Consumers Union through Consumer Reports that the service information issue has been solved.
The survey also claims that independent repair shops lose additional sales when forced to turn away 1.2 million consumers each year because they do not have the information and tools to diagnose and repair their customer’s vehicle. Also, 70 percent of survey respondents revealed that they have no confidence that vehicle manufacturers will always provide them with the necessary tools and information in the future, according to AAIA.
The Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Joe Barton, (R-Texas), Edolphus Towns, (D-N.Y.) and Darrel Issa (R-Calif.), would require the car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independents that they provide their franchised dealer networks. Architects of the Right to Repair Act added new language this year to clarify that car company trade secrets are protected unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealer. The new language also clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements.
For more information about the Right to Repair Act visit www.RightToRepair.org.
