BILL WOULD ENSURE ACCESS BY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS TO SAME INFORMATION AS FRANCHISE SHOPS

Washington, May 16, 2006 - "Computers and sophisticated equipment are essential components of the modern automobile, and advanced tools, diagnostic systems, and information are needed to effect repairs," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. "This panel examined this issue last year and I am now holding a hearing on H.R. 2048, the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act. This measure would direct the Federal Trade Commission to create rules giving independent repair shops access to the same information as franchised dealerships. However, it does not require the disclosure of proprietary information."

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 17th, at 10:00 a.m. in room 2123 of the Rayburn Building. The following witnesses are scheduled to testify:

The Honorable Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman, Federal Trade Commission;
Nancie G. Marzulla, Partner, Marzulla & Marzulla, (on behalf of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality);
Michael J. Stanton, Vice President, Government and International Affairs, The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers;
Aaron Lowe, Vice President, Government Affairs, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association; and
Charles G. Gorman, Chairman, National Automotive Task Force.