WASHINGTON, DC – The CAR Coalition, a growing group of independent automotive parts, management and repair companies, associations, and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair, today applauded President Biden’s release of an executive order (EO) that will enhance competitiveness in the U.S. economy and enhance consumers’ ability to choose where and how they repair their vehicles. Specifically, the CAR Coalition applauded the EO’s recommendation that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiate a rulemaking on repair and maintenance restrictions. Earlier this year, the FTC unanimously released a report urging Congress to address restrictions on consumer repair options, including vehicles.“

The CAR Coalition applauds the Biden administration for putting consumers first in the vehicle repair process,” Justin Rzepka, CAR Coalition Executive Director said. “This executive order will help expand choices for consumers and establish a more level playing field in the post-collision vehicle repair market. Competition breeds better service and more options. We look forward to working with the Biden administration on the implementation of this order. We also continue to urge Congress to address this important issue through legislation.”

Specifically, the EO states, ”To address persistent and recurrent practices that inhibit competition, the Chair of the FTC, in the Chair’s discretion, is also encouraged to consider working with the rest of the Commission to exercise the FTC’s statutory rule making authority, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, in areas such as… unfair anti competitive restrictions on third party repair or self-repair of items, such as the restrictions imposed by powerful manufacturers that prevent farmers from repairing their own equipment.” A White House fact sheet on the EO can be read HERE.