Editorial: Competition and the 'right to repair' bill

The MetroWest Daily News

Posted Jul 14, 2010 @ 07:50 AM Last update Jul 14, 2010 @ 11:29 AM

Sometimes a legislative issue is so hotly contested by those with a narrow financial interest - and so roundly ignored by everyone else - that it's hard to figure out where the public interest lies.

So it is with the "Right to Repair" bill, which attempts to solve a problem for one corner of the auto repair industry by taking an advantage away from another corner.

As auto engines have become more complicated electronically, independent mechanics have found they can't do certain repairs because information, including computer codes, repair and safety bulletins, are considered trade secrets and closely held by auto manufacturers and their dealers. So the independent mechanics, backed by the independent retail auto parts industry, are asking the state Legislature to require automakers share the information.

Opponents of the bill and their allies contend it's a plot by companies who manufacture after-market parts overseas to cut into the sales of replacement parts made by automakers. The bill's proponents and their allies say the automakers are just trying to keep competition out of the parts market and force customers to go to their dealers for parts and repairs. We expect both are right.

Both sides know where their narrow interests lies, and they've been pushing hard for months, through well-paid lobbyists and Boston public relations firms. They've competed for support from trade associations, business owners and unions.

The public interest, whenever government is drawn into fights over market share, is always best served by encouraging competition. Competing mechanics, whether they work for an auto dealer or are independent entrepreneurs, keep each other honest. Competing auto parts manufacturers, wherever they make their parts, help keep prices low.

More competition means better deals and more choices for consumers. That's why the Right to Repair bill, which has cleared the Senate and is now awaiting action by the House, deserves a shot.

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