On Tuesday, April 8, I had the pleasure of attending the CAR Coalition’s “Cars and Coffee” event on Capitol Hill, held in the Cannon Caucus Room. Alongside ABPA board member Chris Northup, I joined a full room of CAR Coalition members, CAR staff, and congressional staffers for an engaging morning of education, advocacy, and refreshments.

The event was a clear success, drawing strong participation and enthusiasm around the importance of consumer choice and affordability in the automotive repair market. Congressman Neal Dunn of Florida, the sponsor of the bipartisan REPAIR Act, made a special appearance and addressed the crowd. He spoke passionately about the importance of protecting consumer rights, especially the ability to choose where and how to repair one’s vehicle, a cornerstone of the REPAIR Act.

A highlight of the event was the visual display showcasing various vehicle parts, each labeled to show the stark price differences between automaker brand parts and their aftermarket counterparts. These real-world examples illustrate just how vital it is to preserve access to quality, affordable repair options—something the CAR Coalition, the ABPA, and our allies continue to fight for in Washington.

Events like these are crucial for educating lawmakers and staff on the issues impacting everyday consumers and our industry. I’m proud that the ABPA could be represented and play a role in these efforts, and I look forward to continued collaboration with the CAR Coalition and congressional leaders as we work to advance legislation like the REPAIR & SMART Acts.

For more information on the CAR Coalition, please visit carcoalition.com.

Ed Salamy
Executive Director
Automotive Body Parts Association

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