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Sunday, November 17, 2008
To the editor:

As car manufacturers add more computer technology to vehicles, we need oversight of the automotive industry to protect consumers from the added costs of a vehicle-repair monopoly.

As the Wall Street meltdown demonstrates, government has a critical role to play in assuring consumers and small businesses a level playing field in a competitive marketplace. Massachusetts repair shops now need that oversight protection with the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, legislation that protects a consumer's right to choose where their vehicle is serviced.

What had historically been a free flow of information from manufacturers to independent repair shops is now a tightening monopoly as car companies use on-board computers to increasingly lock out car owners and their trusted repair shops from information and tools needed to perform vehicle repairs.

Technology that is used to lock out vehicle owners from determining where to have their own car repaired is misused technology and not in the best interest of consumers. Motorists are already forgoing important safety repairs and critical vehicle maintenance due to new higher car dealer repair prices. As the number of dealerships shrink, that option means consumers have to go further for repairs, with higher fuel costs and travel time. Please visit massrighttorepair.com to send a letter supporting Right to Repair legislation to each of your elected representatives.

Stan Morin

THIS WRITER is general manager of New England Tire, Attleboro.