BOSTON — Right to Repair (R2R) requirements — mandating that auto makers make available to independent repairers the same repair and diagnostic information they give their franchised dealers — soon will be in effect in Massachusetts starting with model year 2018 vehicles.
But will all auto makers comply with the requirements?
This was the question the Auto Care Association (ACA) asked June 6 at a hearing before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
"Many car companies are doing a good job in meeting the current Massachusetts Right to Repair requirements," said Aaron Lowe, ACA senior vice president, government and regulatory affairs, at the hearing.
"However, new requirements will be taking effect for [model year] 2018 that will mandate vehicle manufacturers make all of their diagnostic and repair software available from the cloud and interface with a device meeting industry J2534 or ISO22900 industry standards."
In late January, the ACA and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality wrote to auto makers, asking if they would be in compliance with MY 2018 Right to Repair requirements, according to Mr. Lowe. Ten out of 18 auto makers replied, he said.
"I want to be clear that while we are not implying that the eight remaining companies are not in compliance," he said, "with the model introductions a month away, we are concerned by their lack of response despite our multiple attempts to reach them."