**Closings of New Car Dealerships Make Right to Repair Legislation Even More Urgent**

General Motors and Chrysler have indicated that they plan to close several new car dealerships in Massachusetts and as many as 3,000 nationwide. This may not come as a surprise, but may shock Massachusetts motorists to know that it will become even more difficult and more expensive have their vehicles, even those coming out of warranty, repaired. With fewer car dealerships and with the independent repair industry unable to fully access repair codes from the car companies, consumers will literally be left stranded while attempting to find, or be towed, to the appropriate car dealership.

The Right to Repair legislation (House 228 and Senate 124) now pending before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, would allow motoring consumers to choose where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired.

As car dealerships close and their parent car companies close and/or declare bankruptcy, many car dealership mechanics will want and need to work in the aftermarket. However, unless The Right to Repair Act passes, we will have difficulty keeping our doors open. In order to hire the dealership mechanics, we must have The Right to Repair Act.

Consumers purchased the right to choose their repair facilities (the independents or the car dealerships) when they bought their vehicles. They should have the right, the convenience and the safety options of having their vehicles repaired as quickly as possible. Motorists who will not have a nearby car dealership and perhaps not the personal income for towing, may choose to drive unsafe vehicles--an unacceptable option.

Whether car dealerships close by large or small numbers, consumers must continue to have their vehicles routinely maintained and repaired. The Right to Repair Act accomplishes that goal. Consumers need confidence in the vehicles they drive and the repairs they choose.

Are local dealerships slated to close in your area? Tell your local legislators that it is time to pass Right to Repair to secure your rights to accurate and timely information. Email them directly from www.massrighttorepair.com

Legislative Update

June Hearing Rescheduled for September as Auto Industry Continues its Tumble

The chaos churning the auto industry led to a strategic decision on Beacon Hill to reschedule the legislative hearing on Right to Repair legislation until September given the current uncertainty surrounding the U.S. auto industry as it eliminates dealerships and jobs. While we certainly empathize with our colleagues in the dealer repair trade, it is important that the hearing be focused on the need to pass Right to Repair and to preserve the nearly 1 in 10 jobs in Massachusetts connected to the independent repair industry.

Your active support and engagement even during the summer months will assure us of hitting the ground running, so please be sure to sign up on our website www.massrighttorepair.com and let your legislators know that passage of Right to Repair this year has never been more important.

Coalition News

Coalition Drives Right to Repair at the North Shore Auto Show

New England Tire dealer Stan Morin was back on the road last week after a successful show at the Mohegan Sun last month where he talked up Right to Repair to other tire guys. Last week, Stan was in Peabody for the North Shore Auto Show. What the gathering lacked in attendance it more than made up for in enthusiasm for the issue, says Stan.

"The people we got were very responsive and very interested in what we are doing," he said. "We have a lot of information and people really wanted to know what the issue is about.

Take Action

To learn more about Right to Repair and contact your legislators directly, go to massrightorepair.com and click on the envelope to email your local legislators.

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