Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2007 (H.R. 2694) has reached 24 co-sponsors, said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
The new legislators supporting the "Right to Repair Act" are Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Donald Payne (D-NJ) and Albert Russell Wynn (D-MD). For a complete list of co-sponsors, visit http://www.righttorepair.org/.
The need for Right to Repair legislation has become apparent due to the increasing use of computers and electronics which control nearly every vehicle function from safety and emissions to entertainment. Although these computers provide many benefits to motorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for car companies to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops where they choose to obtain service for their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act would mandate that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.
