PANEL TO HEAR FROM WITNESSES ON THE RIGHT TO REPAIR AUTOS, BARRIERS TO REPAIRING, AND POSSIBLE LEGISLATIVE OPTIONS

Washington, Nov 9, 2005 - "In the past, automobile repairs depended on the knowledge, training, and experience of the mechanic," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. "The technology of today in automobiles demands interaction with the auto's on-board diagnostic computer using special tools and scanners. In this hearing, we will examine issues related to sharing the information required to diagnose a car problem and to repair it."

The hearing entitled "Right to Repair: Industry Discussions and Legislative Options." will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. in room 2123 of the Rayburn Building. The following witnesses are scheduled to testify:

Panel 1
James Kohm, Associate Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Marketing Practices, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C.;
Steven J. Cole, President & CEO, Council of Better Business Bureaus Inc., Arlington, Va.;
Dana B. Rosenfeld, Counsel, Bryan Cave LLP, Washington, D.C. On behalf of: The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality and;
Michael J. Stanton, Vice President, Government and International Affairs, The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Washington, D.C.

Panel 2
John Nielsen, Director, AAA Auto Repair Network, Washington, D.C.;
Steve Brotherton, President, Continental Imports, Gainesville, Fla. On behalf of: The Automotive Service Association;
Robert Everett, Owner, Bayville Auto Care, Inc., Bayville, N.J. On behalf of: The National Federation of Independent Business;
John Cabaniss, Director, Environment & Energy, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc., Arlington, Va.;
Aaron Lowe, Vice President, Government Affairs, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, Bethesda, Md.; and
Robert Braziel, Chief Legislative Counsel, National Automobile Dealers Association, Washington, D.C.