BETHESDA, MD — Amid the current tug of war taking place between those for and in opposition to Right to Repair, the independent aftermarket was recognized in the April issue of Consumer Reports. Advice from both the Car Care Council and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is included in a full page article that countered the misperception that consumers should return to dealerships for vehicle maintenance and service, according to AAIA.
The article that appeared in the popular annual new car ratings issue of Consumer Reports, pointed out that consumers have the right to service their vehicles wherever they like without affecting their warranty. “For maintenance, there’s no reason you must rely on a dealership, which might charge more than an independent shop,” the article stated. The article concluded by stating that “the Right to Repair Act would help independents because it would require automakers to provide them with technical information they need to compete with dealers.”
“It is gratifying to see that a highly reputable and respected publication that consumers look to for no-nonsense and commercial-free advice on how to best spend their money points out the value of independent service providers,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “Of course, the plug for the Right to Repair Act was most appreciated and underscores the level of interest in this legislation among motorists.”
Consumer Reports, published by the independent, nonprofit Consumers Union, has 4 million subscribers and reaches millions more through its web site: www.ConsumerReports.org.
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