SPENCER, Iowa — U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, met with executives at Arnold Motor Supply recently to talk about right-to-repair (R2R) legislation and the importance of affordable and reliable vehicle repair options.
Vehicles are equipped with on-board electronics that wirelessly transmit data — including vehicle location, driver behavior, vehicle speed, acceleration and braking, maintenance and repair information — that is controlled by car manufacturers, Arnold said.
"Access to vehicle diagnostic data is becoming one of the largest issues within our industry, and it is starting to gain attention with the public at large," Eric Johnson, president and managing partner at Arnold, said.
"Ultimately this is a consumer choice issue. It is essential for local businesses to stay informed on policy issues, but also important to advocate and be proactive to help shape policy. It is valuable to be able to sit down with Senator Ernst and have a detailed conversation on issues important to us and our customers."
The REPAIR (Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair) Act, H.R. 6570, would require manufacturers to give equal access of vehicle data and repair information to car owners and service providers.
"In doing so, the REPAIR Act would restore consumers' access to affordable and reliable vehicle service," Arnold said.
The bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., in February 2022.
Last year, The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. hosted U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, to discuss the legislation.
Industry organizations, including the Tire Industry Association, have voiced their support of R2R legislation and the REPAIR Act.
