The Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance) and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) have produced a video addressing service repair issues in the automotive industry. The purpose of the video is to demonstrate that the same service information is available to dealers and independent automotive repairers. The video was created to address the so-called “right to repair” bills that have been presented in various state legislatures and in the U.S. Congress.
The video contains excerpts from interviews with independent repairers throughout the United States as well as representatives from the Alliance and AIAM. Independent repairers address how they access service information directly from the manufacturer websites. For this reason, independent repairers report that there is no reason for legislation regarding this issue.
Independent repairers and manufacturers outline the history behind this issue and the voluntary agreement that was reached in 2002 to address gaps in service information. Five years ago, these associations pledged to address discrepancies in service information through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). This task force responds to problems a repairer may have in locating service information, allowing that automotive shop to complete the repair. This agreement, along with the existence of automaker service information websites and third-party service information providers, precludes the need for such legislation.
The video concludes by addressing questions that should be asked of a shop in which technicians claim they cannot find the information necessary to repair vehicles.
ASA, AIAM and the Alliance encourage stakeholders to view this video and contact these associations with further questions. The video can be viewed by visiting the links at ASA’s legislative website, www.TakingTheHill.com — on its home page and the “Information Availability” section.