04/11/2025

Automakers Admit Need for Federal Right to Repair Solution

Source: aftermarketNews

On Feb. 18, 2025, the automakers released a legislative proposal related to automotive right to repair; the views cited in this proposal represent a small fraction of the repair market and are not representative of the broader automotive aftermarket, MEMA said. The industry does appreciate automakers’ acknowledgment of the need for federal legislation to protect consumer choice in vehicle repair and looks forward to congressional consideration of the REPAIR Act.   

Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers President Paul McCarthy released the following statement:   

“We’re pleased to see trade groups representing automakers finally admit what we’ve long known: congressional action is needed to ensure independent shops and aftermarket parts manufacturers can continue to offer Americans quality, affordable choices for vehicle repairs. 
 
“That said, this latest proposal appears to be a tactic to delay and defeat pro-consumer right to repair legislation at every level. The bipartisan Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (REPAIR Act) is a straightforward approach to ensure safe and secure access to vehicle repair and maintenance data.  

“The REPAIR Act, led by Congressman Neal Dunn, is the solution. Protection of consumer and fleet-owner choice ensured access to critical repair data, an established federal enforcement mechanism, and the prevention of repair monopolies is accomplished through the REPAIR Act. Without it, the aftermarket will lose the ability to not only innovate but continue to offer consumers options to keep their vehicles on the road. 

“We look forward to REPAIR’s imminent reintroduction and will continue to work with all parties that share our commitment to solutions that provide vehicle owners with greater choice, safe repairs and lower prices.” 

Historically, the independent aftermarket has performed over 80% of out-of-warranty vehicle repairs (Source: Auto Care Association/MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Joint Forecast Model) and these repairs are generally 36% less expensive than dealerships. Car owners appreciate independent repair shops for their “trustworthiness, reasonable prices, knowledgeable mechanics, and good reputation.” 

Today, independent repair shops and alternative manufacturers are increasingly being crowded out as OEMs collect terabytes of data from vehicles wirelessly and unilaterally decide to whom they give access to this data and under what terms and conditions without input from vehicle owners, MEMA and the Auto Care Association cited from a Right to Repair hearing.

An independent survey conducted last year demonstrated that 63% of repair shops report having difficulties making routine repairs on a daily or weekly basis due to data restrictions. Moreover, 51% of shops report sending up to five cars per month to the dealer because of these restrictions, MEMA and Auto Care said. 

On Feb. 11, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper dismissed AAI’s four-year effort to block the implementation of Massachusetts’ right to repair law.