TIA joins global right-to-repair movement

BOWIE, Md. — The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is joining a growing list of automotive industry organizations in supporting a global right-to-repair (R2R) movement.

TIA has signed the Global Vehicle Right to Repair Position Statement, which outlines a framework for right-to-repair legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt to its needs.

The Auto Care Association (ACA) and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) disclosed earlier this month that they had signed the position statement.

"Right to repair is a top priority for TIA members and for the global automotive aftermarket," TIA CEO Richard Gust said.

"Without safeguards, independent automotive repairers and vehicle owners will have fewer repair options, face longer wait times and pay higher prices when they repair their vehicles.

"It is crucial for independent auto repair locations to have access to the equipment and data needed to repair today's highly technological vehicles and that consumers have a choice in where they get their vehicles repaired."

TIA's statement cited ACA data noting that the automotive aftermarket is a $492 billion industry employing 4.5 million professionals.

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

Australia and South Africa have ensured consumers' right to repair their vehicles.

"These countries are a model for similar legislation in the U.S. that levels the playing field and keeps the consumer at the heart of decision-making across the transportation ecosystem," according to a TIA statement.

In November, TIA members passed a resolution to support federal R2R legislation.

TIA urged organizations interested in supporting R2R to contact Roy Littlefield IV, TIA vice president of government affairs, at [email protected], to join the global movement.