WASHINGTON, D.C. – Independent automotive repairers and automakers struck a landmark deal today guaranteeing customers’ right-to-repair their automobile, citing Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter’s (R-GA) bipartisan Vehicle Data Access Caucus as the catalyst.
The commitment among the Automotive Service Association, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and Alliance for Automotive Innovation affirms a 2014 national agreement on automotive right-to-repair and states unequivocally that “independent repair facilities shall have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks.” This falls in line with the Vehicle Data Access Caucus’ goal of bringing all relevant stakeholders together for productive conversations about how vehicle data is collected and controlled.
“This is a positive development, and I am excited that industry leaders were able to come together and protect consumers without heavy-handed government intervention,” said Rep. Carter. “The Vehicle Data Access Caucus is doing exactly what it intended to – starting conversations between stakeholders so that the automobile industry can better serve its customers – and I hope we will continue having productive conversations and delivering results for car owners, manufacturers, and repairers.”
Industry leaders involved in the negotiations acknowledged the role the Vehicle Data Access caucus played in bringing all sides of the right-to-repair issue to the table.
“ASA deeply appreciates Congressman Carter’s integral role in bringing the parties to the table through establishing the Congressional Vehicle Data Access Caucus. The caucus’ formation reflected Congress’s serious desire to see this issue resolved while providing an opportunity for repair shops and manufacturers to reach a direct agreement before imposing government regulation. This agreement – which ensures repairers and drivers a continued competitive market for automotive services, even as new technologies arise – would not have been possible without Rep. Carter’s leadership,” said Scott Benavidez, Automotive Service Association (ASA) Board of Directors Chairman.
“Automakers support right to repair, and today’s independent auto repair market is working well with lots of competition. Auto repairers across the U.S. have access to the same repair and diagnostic information provided to auto dealers. It’s not just automakers who say this. It’s the Federal Trade Commission. And with today’s agreement, it’s also the thousands of independent auto repairers and small businesses in all 50 states who together with automakers have once again made this fundamental commitment to customers,” said John Bozzella, Alliance for Automotive Innovation President and CEO.
Highlights of the new automotive right-to-repair agreement include:
Access to diagnostic and repair information: Independent repair facilities shall continue to have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks. This applies to:
- Telematics data needed to diagnose and repair a vehicle if not otherwise available;
- All vehicle technologies and powertrains, including gasoline, diesel, fuel cell, electric battery, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric powertrains.
Education and training: A pledge to work together on education and training programs so mechanical and collision repair facilities are fully aware of exactly where and how to obtain repair information, including:
- Directly through an automaker’s repair website;
- Shared access points like www.OEM1Stop.com;
- Via third-party information providers, software and tools.
Future advancements: As vehicle technologies and the corresponding demands on repairers evolve, the commitment ensures a level playing field and a forum to discuss future repairer needs as they develop.
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