The CAR Coalition, a group of independent automotive parts, management and repair companies, associations and insurers, applauded bipartisan members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet for holding a hearing on consumers’ right to repair their vehicles. Led by Subcommittee Chairman Darrel Issa (R-CA), the lead co-sponsor of the SMART Act (H.R. 1707), which expands consumer access to reliable auto parts for vehicle repair, members heard from witnesses about the economic impact of expanded repair options.

“Today’s hearing makes clear there is broad bipartisan support for consumers’ right to repair their vehicles,” said CAR Coalition Executive Director Justin Rzepka. “As Chairman Issa said, the right to repair empowers consumers and drives economic growth and prosperity. Repair restrictions imposed by auto manufacturers are designed to protect corporations, not consumers. The CAR Coalition stands proudly on the side of consumers in this fight.”

Among those testifying at today’s hearing were Aaron Perzanowski, professor of Law at the University of Michigan, and author of a white paper on the importance of right to repair through the REPAIR Act (H.R. 906), which provides consumers with access to their vehicle data. In his testimony he said, “Repair is as old as humanity. Repair has always kept pace. But today, manufacturers are employing a range of strategies that restrict repair from their hardware and software design choices to clamp down on secondary markets.”

Paul Roberts, founder of SecuRepairs.org and founder and editor-in-chief, of the Security Ledger, also testified.

“Federal right to repair legislation like the REPAIR Act and the Fair Repair Act will greatly improve the quality of life for consumers, families and communities while promoting small business and reducing e waste throughout the country,” he said.

According to a recent YouGov Survey of 1,000 vehicle owners conducted from June 29 – July 5, a sizable majority of Americans support a federal vehicle right-to-repair law that would prevent automakers from restricting vehicle owners’ repair options. Americans believe they should be able to decide where and who repairs their vehicle and have access to their vehicle’s data. They also showed a strong preference for independent repair shops over dealerships. Key results included:

• 94% want to choose where their vehicle is repaired;
• 93% want to choose who repairs their vehicle;
• 79% are willing to share their vehicle data with independent repair shops;
• 75% support legislation preventing auto manufacturers from restricting consumer access to vehicle data;
• 74% believe vehicle owners should have access to their vehicle data;
• 63% would take their vehicle to an independent repair shop.