BETHESDA, Md. (June 9, 2004) — Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., is now the 100th member of the House of Representatives to become a co-sponsor of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
The legislation requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent auto repairers with the same diagnostic and repair information they give their dealers, and directs the Federal Trade Commission to create sanctions against auto makers that don't comply.
Many associations—including AAIA, the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the AAA, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Service Station Dealers of America—support the Right to Repair Act. The Automotive Service Association has forged its own agreement with auto makers to provide diagnostic and repair information, but AAIA, TIA and other groups claim the Right to Repair Act is still necessary to ensure vehicle manufacturers' cooperation.