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Coalition Forms as Right to Repair Movement Gains Speed and Horsepower

As Economy Worsens Car Owners Choose to Repair Rather Than Replace Cars

BOSTON - A broad and growing coalition representing more than 1,500 independent automotive repair shops and related industries says it will push for passage of landmark legislation in Massachusetts next year - the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act - that would guarantee equal access to automotive repair information for independent repairers and their customers.

The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition says the need for passage of the legislation is greater than ever as more consumers choose to repair - rather than replace - their cars amid an economy and an automobile industry in freefall.

The expected increase in demand for repair service will likely highlight a longstanding practice by car manufactures to restrict access to some, or all, of the repair codes being sought by independent repairers. The proposed Right to Repair legislation would put independent repairers on equal footing with dealer repair shops for access to repair information.

The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition includes the New England Service Station Automotive Repair Association, the Massachusetts Auto Body Association, the Massachusetts Independent Automobile Dealers Association and the New England Tire & Service Association. Also supporting the Right to Repair movement in Massachusetts is the National Federation of Independent Business, the Massachusetts Retailers Association, the Consumer Electronics Association, the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.

“Consumers want the right to decide where to have their cars serviced,” said Ernie Corrigan, spokesman for the Coalition, adding that there are more than five million cars registered in Massachusetts that need reliable and affordable service without manufacturers withholding repair information. “If car manufacturers can dictate where you have your car repaired then you have lost your right to choose. The Right to Repair legislation will free consumers who are now being held hostage to new car dealerships and their higher priced repairs. After all, who owns your car?” Corrigan said.

Car manufacturers have argued against the legislation in the past claiming that it would expose their technology “trade secrets.” In response, the independent repair industry has voluntarily inserted legislative language that excludes car manufacturers’ trade secrets from being conveyed to repairers as part of the information stream.

“Legislators understand that this is a consumer issue,” Corrigan said. “The people who are hurt by this issue are car owners and the independent repairers who owners choose as their preferred mechanic.”

After winning support from two key legislative committees this year, the Right to Repair bill remains alive until the end of the year at which point it will be re-filed in January.

There are more than 5,000 independent repair shops and related automotive businesses in Massachusetts that generate more than $6 billion in economic activity in the state. The industry is responsible for nearly one in ten jobs in the Massachusetts economy.