This story has been corrected from a previous version.
BOSTON — Three representatives of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) testified before the Massachusetts legislature in a hearing discussing changes to the state's Right to Repair law to grant access to independent repairers to repair data from automated vehicles.
The association, according to ASA Executive Director Ray Fisher, isn't opposed to the Right to Repair legislation being discussed. However Mr. Fisher said the group is "concerned about a 50 state data access regulatory structure along with the additional costs incurred because of the potential 50 distinct regulations required to comply."
ASA members are concerned about having continued access to vehicle data at a time when automotive technologies are changing rapidly, said Mr. Fisher, who testified at the Jan. 13 hearing.
"Our members can repair today's vehicles," Mr. Fisher said. "We want to make sure that this remains true in the future."
Kevin DiVito, president of Mobile Auto Solutions L.L.C., said the independent auto repair business depends on widely available repair data.
"You just have to know where to look for it and how to use it," Mr. DiVito said. "We are able to service current model year vehicles with identical equipment to the dealer. We are able to program new vehicle modules and keys, view dealer-level service information and calibrate semi-autonomous vehicles with OE tools and procedures."
The one growing original equipment gap is with Tesla Inc., according to Mr. DiVito.
"It does not currently offer a way for the aftermarket to scan and program their vehicles," he said.