The Automotive Care Alliance has agreed to support the ‘Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act’ H.R. 6570. According to the supporters, the legislation will ensure the preservation of consumer choice, a fair marketplace and the continued safe operation of the nation’s 288 million registered passenger and commercial motor vehicles, 70% of which are maintained by independent repair facilities.
“ACA looks forward to working together with all the partners and be involved in a grass roots effort to gain support for HR 6570 The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act. The opportunity to work together with the Auto Care Association as well as other associations that already support HR6570 with a united effort will enhance our grass roots positions,” said Ross Colket, Mid-Atlantic Auto Care Alliance president and ACA Legislative Committee member.
The legislation was introduced in February 2022 by U.S. Representative Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) to provide consumers rights to their vehicle’s repair and maintenance data and safeguard a free and fair repair market.
As vehicle technology continues to forge ahead, new obstacles to a competitive auto repair market are emerging. These obstacles limit consumer choice in where to have motor vehicles repaired, as well as increase the cost to repair and maintain their vehicles. The REPAIR Act will reduce these obstacles, putting consumers’ interests and vehicle safety first.
“With the ever-advancing technology and the need for repair information, this is the time to get legislation passed. Without the ability to access technical repair manuals, wiring schematics, software updates and vehicle security systems our independent repair shops are at a major disadvantage. The time is now to keep our shops competitive and, on a level playing field with the manufacturers. I believe this legislation goes a long way in keeping us competitive,” stated Bryan Kelley, NWACA Past-President and ACA Legislative Committee member.
The Auto Care Alliance encourages its members to send a letter to their member of Congress in support of the legislation. Members are also encouraged to begin educating and encouraging consumers to support the legislation as well. A strong grassroots effort is necessary for this bill to pass, as it supports the fundamentals of competition, consumer choice and safety that we believe will benefit the motoring public and the whole automotive industry in the future.
The Auto Care Alliance, with over 1,200 members in 40 states, serves independent automotive service professionals and was formed in January 2022 and includes several former Automotive Service Association affiliate associations.
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