ACA, AIA back global right-to-repair initiative

BETHESDA, Md. — The Auto Care Association (ACA) and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) have joined other global automotive industry associations to support a global right-to-repair movement.

The associations signed The Global Vehicle Right to Repair Position Statement, which enumerates the core beliefs of the movement and the objectives and intended outcomes of right-to-repair legislation.

The document sets forth 10 best-practice principles to developing a framework for right-to-repair legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt them to their needs.

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Auto care industry associations in Australia, Europe, Italy, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, India, South Africa, Turkey and Chile also support the position statement.

Globally, the automotive aftermarket keeps 1.5 billion vehicles on the road while contributing $1.8 trillion to the global economy. After vehicles exit their warranty period, independent repair shops perform 70% of repairs, according to the ACA.

"This vibrant industry and the consumer choice that it creates is being threatened by automotive manufacturers that block access to wirelessly transmitted vehicle repair and maintenance data," the ACA said.

"Auto Care Association and associations around the globe are aligned in preserving the owner's choice for vehicle repair," ACA President and CEO Bill Hanvey said.

"This statement represents a herculean effort to protect our industry and the rights of individuals around the world. Vehicle owners deserve the right to maintain and repair their vehicle using the repair location of their choice," he said.

"AIA Canada remains committed to working with the government to ensure the safety of Canadians through continued access to essential, reliable and affordable vehicle service and repair," Alana Baker, AIA Canada senior director of government relations, said.

The associations pointed to laws in Australia and South Africa that retain vehicle owners' right to repair their vehicles and are models for similar legislation in the U.S. and Canada.