BETHESDA, Md. – Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2694) has reached 51 sponsors, according to Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Reps. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.) and Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) have added their names to the list of legislators who have declared their support of the pending legislation.

“We applaud the three new co-sponsors for their support of this vital piece of legislation,” said Schmatz. “As the cost of vehicle ownership soars due to higher fuel costs, the need for the Right to Repair Act has become more critical in order to protect consumers from the added costs that would be created by a vehicle repair monopoly.”

Because vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated with virtually every system either monitored or controlled by computers, servicing these vehicle systems to keep them in safe and efficient working condition requires ready access to complete and accurate information from the car companies. The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) was introduced in Congress to ensure that car owners and their trusted repair shops have the same access to safety alerts and repair information as the franchised new car dealer network.

“Reps. Capuano, Carson and Jackson, Jr. have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that their constituents retain the ability to choose where to have their vehicle repaired, continued Schmatz. “If motorists are forced back to the dealer for service, particularly if there is no dealership in their area, convenient and affordable auto repair will become a thing of the past.”

A complete list of co-sponsors and a copy of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) can be found by visiting www.righttorepair.org.