“Give Small Businesses the ‘Right to Repair’”
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 3, 2024) – Today, the Washington Examiner published an op-ed from NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations Andrea McGee on the importance of right-to-repair initiatives for small and independent auto shops.
McGee writes:
“For decades, auto manufacturers have acted in good faith after agreeing to a memorandum of understanding with independent repair shops. The memorandum allowed auto repair shops access to key vehicle information from manufacturers.
“It used to be that when the check engine light went on, mechanics could hook up the right tools to find the problem and then fix it. But advancements in technology have essentially computerized cars, giving manufacturers an opening to switch things up. Because newer cars are connected to the internet, they can send diagnostic information directly to manufacturers, who feel no need to share it with auto repair shops.
“But many customers prefer these tried-and-true small businesses. More than 70% of aftermarket car repairs happen at independent auto repair shops, many of which have been around for decades and are family-owned.
“The sooner Congress acts, the better. Without reform, some 230,000 auto repair shops are looking down a dead-end street, and millions of other small businesses and consumers could face increased costs and fewer options to repair their vehicles.”
The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act is a bipartisan proposal that would ensure that independent auto repair shops will have access to the same tools, software, and manuals as manufacturers and authorized service centers.
Read the full op-ed online here: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/2986767/give-small-businesses-the-right-to-repair/
