Congressman Neal Dunn (Fla-02) introduced the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act bill on February 25. This bill ensures vehicle owners can access essential repair and diagnostic data. Currently, automakers restrict vehicle owners and independent repair shops from obtaining this data. This can lead to higher costs, fewer service options, and longer wait times. The REPAIR Act affirms that vehicle owners, not manufacturers, have the right to their car’s repair information.
“American consumers deserve full control over their vehicle repair and maintenance data to ensure they can find the best service for their vehicle at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, vehicle manufacturers are standing in the way of American consumers accessing their own data,” said Congressman Dunn. “For far too long, manufacturers have championed anti-competitive practices by withholding crucial maintenance information.
“Your vehicle belongs to you, not the manufacturer. I am introducing the REPAIR Act to provide a binding, workable solution to anti-competitive behavior in the auto repair industry. And to reaffirm consumer control over their vehicle maintenance data and empower them to work with repair shops big and small.”
Industry Leaders Support the REPAIR Act Bill
“Americans are tired of lip service about lowering prices or respecting the trades. But auto manufacturers have made it increasingly difficult to have real agency,” said Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. “It’s time for Congress to listen to ordinary Americans and pass right to repair legislation.”
“We sincerely thank Dr. Dunn for his leadership in tackling this existential threat to consumers and standing up for the rights of vehicle owners and vital businesses,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “The REPAIR Act gained significant support and momentum in the previous Congress. Lawmakers, industry leaders, and everyday drivers understand that fair access to vehicle repair data is essential for competition, affordability, and consumer choice. With its reintroduction, we have an even greater opportunity to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”
Ensuring Fair Access to Repair Data
“Americans want a car repair market that guarantees choice and protects accessible, affordable, and safe vehicle repairs,” said Justin Rzepka, executive director of the CAR Coalition. “We commend Rep. Neal Dunn and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez for their leadership in upholding consumer rights and promoting a free and fair car repair market. Today’s reintroduction of the REPAIR Act marks an important step forward in limiting unfair repair restrictions.”
Industry Organizations Rally Behind the REPAIR Act Bill
“NFIB is excited to work with and support Rep. Dunn on this important legislation. The REPAIR Act is a much-needed piece of bipartisan legislation to increase competition in the automotive repair industry,” said Andrea McGee, principal of federal government relations at NFIB. “Almost 90 percent of NFIB members support right to repair, making it one of NFIB’s top 10 priorities. NFIB thanks Rep. Dunn for his tireless work on this issue that impacts so many small businesses across all industries.”
“MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers thanks Congressman Dunn for reintroducing the REPAIR Act. This bill is a critical step toward protecting consumer choice, competition and innovation in the automotive aftermarket. Ensuring fair access in a cybersecure way to data allows aftermarket manufacturers to continue innovating. Without this access, competition is stifled, costs will rise, and consumer choice will be diminished. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers strongly supports this legislation to protect a vibrant and competitive aftermarket that benefits drivers, repairers, and manufacturers alike,” said Paul McCarthy, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.
A Milestone for the Auto Repair Industry
“PAMA’s member companies and independent automotive maintenance shops around the country play a vital role. The ensure that consumers have access to timely and cost-effective repair options for their automobiles,” said Justin Cialella, former PAMA president and chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “We commend and applaud Congressman Dunn for his leadership on the REPAIR Act.”
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