Opponents of the much debated Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair legislation have cautioned legislators and consumers not to be fooled by this so-called solution, warning that it may create more problems than it will solve. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Association of International Autombile Manufacturers and the Automotive Service Association have openly declared disapproval of the pending legislation, which is backed by the "CARE Coalition," a group that includes NAPA, Midas, CARQUEST, AutoZone, Advance Auto, Jiffy Lube and O'Reilly's Auto Parts.
Last July, Consumer Reports reported that while the "Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act sounds great on the surface ... this bill may not cut repair costs to consumers, and it could compromise vehicle antitheft systems and allow unscrupulous mechanics to retune vehicles to crank up performance and tailpipe pollutants."
The article added that "a Consumer Reports analysis of CARE's own data and of Congressional testimony shows the problem the bill addresses has already been solved."
ASA President Ron Pyle states, "ASA is proud of the progress made for independent repairers relative to service, training and tool information. The 2002 ASA Automaker agreement provides our industry a model for information that will assure repairers the necessary information for the foreseeable future."
Approximately 75 percent of all post warranty repairs are performed by independent repair facilities. This resolution ensures the continuing viability of the automotive service industry and eliminates the need for current and future legislation.
To help resolve service and repair related issues independent repairers are encouraged to work through the National Automotive Service Task Force. NASTF serves as a forum to identify and resolve gaps involving motor vehicle repair information and tools. This national, voluntary solution has proven to be an effective resource for repairers and manufacturers alike, and over the course of the last six years, has managed to develop an effective forum to point independent repairers to the information and tools they need and to provide a mechanism to report and resolve the few gaps that remain.
AIAM President and CEO Mike Stanton says, "We believe our customers should seek vehicle repair services wherever reliable and first-rate service is offered. Auto makers work very hard to make high-quality cars and trucks, and their reputations could be jeopardized if customers felt they could not go to the service and repair store of their choosing."
Alliance CEO Dave McCurdy adds, "Manufacturers recognize the importance of the independent repair industry and want to make sure that consumers have the option of having their vehicles serviced by the repairer of their choice."
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