Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM)’s historic Senate proposal would protect consumer choice and help lower vehicle repair costs
Washington, D.C. — The CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition, Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN), Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association (PAMA) and NFIB applaud the introduction of the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair” (REPAIR) Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill was introduced by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) is a critical step toward ensuring that consumers can repair their vehicles freely, safely, and affordably.
“Big corporations have a history of gatekeeping basic information that belongs to car owners, effectively forcing consumers to pay a fixed price whenever their car is in the shop. The bipartisan REPAIR Act would end corporations’ control over diagnostics and service information and give consumers the right to repair their own equipment at a price most feasible for them,” said Senator Hawley.
“Vehicle owners deserve to have options when it comes to safe, dependable, and affordable auto repairs,” said Senator Luján. “Giving vehicle owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket manufacturers access to vehicle repair and maintenance data is critical to improving repair options. I’m proud to partner with Senator Hawley on this legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to support car owners and repair shops.”
“Americans deserve a car repair market that promotes choice and protects access to affordable and safe vehicle repairs,” said Justin Rzepka, Executive Director of the CAR Coalition. “As the right to repair movement strengthens across the country, we are thrilled to have the leadership of Sens. Josh Hawley and Ben Ray Luján on our side. The introduction of the REPAIR Act in the Senate is a huge milestone – this bipartisan, bicameral bill ensures we are one step closer to empowering consumers with the freedom to choose safe and cost-effective repair solutions.”
As vehicles modernize, automakers are increasingly blocking out independent repair shops and aftermarket suppliers by imposing arbitrary restrictions on who can access this data – steering Americans into their exclusive, and more expensive, repair networks. As a result, American drivers are forced to foot higher repair bills while having fewer choices in the repair process. Currently, independent repair shops, parts manufacturers, and aftermarket service providers across the country are facing growing automaker restrictions that complicate routine repairs and maintenance. In fact, as seen in a recent survey, 84% of independent repair shops view data access as a “top issue” facing their businesses.
“The Auto Care Association applauds Senators Luján and Hawley for introducing the commonsense, bipartisan REPAIR Act in the Senate,” said Bill Hanvey, President and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Thanks to their leadership, federal right to repair protections are gaining ground in both chambers of Congress. We’re committed to protecting the nearly 300 million drivers and more than 900,000 technicians in this country who depend on the $500 billion auto care industry. And we’ll do that by working together to turn the commonsense REPAIR Act into law.”
“We thank Senators Luján and Hawley for introducing this important, bipartisan legislation to protect vehicle owners and support the aftermarket,” said Paul McCarthy, President, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “The REPAIR Act ensures that aftermarket suppliers can continue to deliver the innovation, parts, and tools needed for safe, affordable vehicle repair. This bill is about protecting consumer choice, maintaining a level playing field, and strengthening the thousands of businesses and jobs that make up our vital industry.”
“CVSN thanks Senators Luján and Hawley for protecting America’s supply chains by keeping trucks and fleets on the road with affordable and accessible repair,” said Kristen Kellogg, Senior Director, Government Affairs, CVSN. “Giving drivers the freedom to choose where they repair their vehicles strengthens competition, supports a resilient supply chain, and ensures fair access to repair. This legislation is a win for consumers, independent repairers, and businesses all across the U.S.”
“NFIB applauds Senators Lujan and Hawley for leading the Senate in introducing this important bipartisan bill,” said Andrea McGee, Principal, Federal Government Relations, NFIB. “The REPAIR Act is a much-needed piece of legislation to maintain competition in the automotive industry. Almost 90% of NFIB members voted in support of right to repair when balloted, making it one of NFIB’s top ten priorities. NFIB thanks Senators Lujan and Hawley for their dedication to this issue that impacts so many NFIB members across all industries.”
“PAMA commends Senators Lujan and Hawley for taking this important step to cement consumer choice and competition in the automotive repair market,” said Justin Cialella, Government Affairs Committee Director for the Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association. “This legislation comes at a critical juncture, as auto manufacturers continue to create and impose new barriers, restricting our ability to repair consumer vehicles.”
Across the country, independent repair shops and other members of the independent aftermarket have urged Congress to pass automotive right to repair legislation. Consumers agree – with 75% of American drivers indicating support for right to repair solutions like the REPAIR Act.
This milestone follows the bill’s recent reintroduction in the House of Representatives led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL-02) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03), which already has a growing list of more than 20 bipartisan cosponsors.
Join us in calling on Congress to advance the REPAIR Act today at repairact.com.
About the CAR Coalition
The CAR Coalition is committed to preserving and protecting consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair by ensuring competition in the automotive collision parts industry. Members include: Allstate, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency, Inc. (AMECA), AutoZone, Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), Diamond Standard, Geotab, KSI Auto Parts, and LKQ Corporation. Learn more at carcoalition.com.
