WASHINGTON — Oct. 17 marked the fifth anniversary of the “voluntary agreement” between the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) to make vehicle repair information available to independent service shops, including tire dealers.
The groups claim the agreement provides “the same service, repair and training information to independent repairers as is made available to franchised auto dealers.”
Highlighting the anniversary, Alliance CEO Dave McCurdy said, "Manufacturers recognize the importance of the independent repair industry and remain committed to ensuring that consumers have the option of having their vehicles serviced by the repairer of their choice."
AIAM President and CEO Mike Stanton marked the anniversary saying, "We believe our customers should be able to seek vehicle repair services wherever reliable and first-rate service is offered. Automakers work very hard to make high-quality cars and trucks, and their reputations could be jeopardized if customers felt they could not go to the service and repair shop of their choosing."
The three groups created the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), which was created to serve as a forum to identify and resolve gaps involving motor vehicle repair information and tools.
“This national, voluntary solution has proven to be an effective resource for repairers and manufacturers alike, and over the course of the last six years has become a productive forum for dialogue between independent repairers, other industry stakeholders and automakers as well as an effective mechanism to help identify and resolve the few information gaps that remain,” the groups said.
