ASA getting word out that shops are 'Open for Business'

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is launching a campaign aimed at ensuring consumers that independent repair shops are “Open for Business” after concerns have been raised over what is described as misinformation surrounding the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act.

 “Proponents of H.B. 296, The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, are doing independent repairers in Massachusetts a great disservice by implying that only franchised dealers can repair today’s vehicles. We want to set the record straight,” says Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive. “Every auto manufacturer makes available to independent repair shops the same service and repair information it makes available to dealers.”

Independent repairers continue to use third-party information providers, and the automaker Web sites are an additional source for service information. Links to all original equipment manufacturer Web sites can be found on the ASA Web site, www.ASAshop.org. The Web sites are also listed on the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Web site, www.NASTF.org.

ASA encourages independent repairers to work through NASTF to help identify and rectify any repair-related concerns they may have. NASTF serves as a forum to resolve any potential gaps involving service and repair information and tools. This national, voluntary solution has proven to be an effective resource for repairers and manufacturers alike, and over the course of the past six years has become a productive forum for dialogue between independent repairers, other industry stakeholders and automakers, as well as an effective mechanism to help identify and resolve any issues that arise, according to ASA.

Rusty Savignac, co-owner of Paxton Garage in Paxton, Mass., adds, “I am concerned that consumers are being left with the impression that independent repairers like myself can’t fix today’s vehicles. That is simply not the case. I own an independent repair shop and am adamantly opposed to the Right to Repair legislation. All of the necessary service information has been made easily accessible on a number of Web sites. This legislation is addressing a problem that does not exist. If repairers are willing to make an effort to keep up with the changing technologies, they should have no problem repairing any vehicle that comes in the door.”

ASA’s consumer campaign will focus on rebuilding consumers’ trust in their local neighborhood repair shops. To help support local technicians, ASA will also hold a series of Service Information Workshop programs throughout Massachusetts beginning May 6 in Canton, May 7 in Worcester, and May 8 in New Bedford. All dates, times and locations for these free educational sessions can be found at www.ASAshop.org by clicking on the “Education & Training” tab in the top menu.

For more information about service information availability issues and legislative concerns, visit www.TakingTheHill.com.