Untitled DocumentWASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2007 New Jersey General Assembly session has ended without consideration of A 931, the so-called “Right to Repair” bill. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance), the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) commend the New Jersey Assembly for rejecting this legislation.
Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive, says: “New Jersey now adds its name to the list of states including Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York and Oklahoma that considered and soundly rejected the so-called ‘right to repair’ legislation.”
Five years ago, these associations pledged to address discrepancies in service information between manufacturers and independent repairers through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). This agreement, along with the existence of automaker service information Web sites and third-party service information providers, precludes the need for such legislation.
Mike Stanton, AIAM president and CEO, said: “We believe vehicle owners should be able to secure repair services wherever they choose. Automakers work very hard to make high-quality cars and trucks, and their reputations would be jeopardized if customers were limited in their selection of service and repair providers.”
Manufacturers and independent repairers share concerns that A 931 would interfere with the voluntary, industry-supported service information process already in place that protects independent repairers and consumers.
Dave McCurdy, Alliance CEO, said: “Manufacturers recognize the importance of the independent repair industry and remain committed to ensuring that consumers have the option of having their vehicles serviced by the repairer of their choice.”
