SOME AUTO SHOPS CLAIM BARRIERS PREVENT THEM FROM REPAIRING AUTOS

Washington, Nov 10, 2005 - “Sophisticated equipment and computers on modern autos require advanced tools, diagnostic systems, and information to carry out repairs,” stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. “Ready access to repair and service information for all repair shops benefits consumers by giving them a wider choice in where they take their cars and trucks. In 2002, automakers and independent repair and service providers agreed to share the information needed to effect repairs. This hearing showed that various parties have different viewpoints on the effectiveness of this agreement.”

Steve Brotherton of Gainesville, FL, a repair facility owner, testified on behalf of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), which represents repair and service businesses. Brotherton stated, “ASA believes we have an agreement with automakers that is working in today’s highly technical environment. We do not need federal intervention in the service information issue.”

Testifying for the American Automobile Association (AAA), John Nielsen found the voluntary agreement wanting. He testified, “Our members and many independent repair facilities in AAA’s approved auto repair network continue to tell us of instances where technicians do not have the information or tools they need to fix today’s vehicles.”

Michael J. Stanton, speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, noted “Almost 500 million non-warranty service events are undertaken each year. While we hope that each and every one of these events is as easy to facilitate as possible, we recognize that with literally millions of pages of service and repair information that need to be available, there will be instances where needed information is unavailable.”

Much of the hearing revolved around proposed legislation, H.R. 2048, the Right to Repair Act, which would direct the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate rules requiring the same service and training information be made available to all repair shops in the same manner as made to franchised dealerships. Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee, offered H.R. 2048.

Concluded Stearns, “I don’t know if legislation is needed at this time to ensure the exchange of needed repair information, but it appears to me that consumers would benefit from a stronger self-regulatory effort addressing the issues of information and tool availability, dispute resolution, and pricing. This is an issue I will continue to monitor with H.R. 2048 as a possible remedy.”