BETHESDA, Md. – The Auto Care Association, along with representatives from auto care associations from around the world, participated in a Global Right to Repair Campaign Meeting that was held in conjunction with the 2014 Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, earlier this month. The meeting, co-hosted by the Auto Care Association and FIGIEFA, focused on global efforts to ensure competition in the vehicle repair market by requiring vehicle manufacturers to provide affordable access to tools, information, software and repair parts to independent service centers.
 
Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association, and Aaron Lowe, senior vice president, regulatory and government affairs, Auto Care Association, discussed the success in the U.S. with the passage in Massachusetts of Right to Repair legislation in 2013, and the signing of the national Memorandum of Understanding on Right to Repair by the vehicle manufacturers. Attendees at the meeting also received updates on Right to Repair efforts in the EU, Australia and South Africa.
 
In addition to Right to Repair, attendees discussed the growing threat to competition in the vehicle repair industry that is being caused by the use of embedded telematics systems on vehicles. These systems provide wireless access to extensive data on vehicles that will provide car companies and their franchised dealers a strong advantage over independents in providing extensive services to their customers. The meeting discussed global efforts to develop a technical solution that would ensure access to these systems, and the need for legislative efforts to ensure that car companies make access available.  
 
“The meeting was extremely helpful in sharing information on efforts in other countries in order to ensure competition in the vehicle repair market,” said Schmatz. “All of the groups committed to continue cooperation on Right to Repair and telematics in the future.”