RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — In a letter delivered to Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) urged Congress to request a study from the General Accounting Office assessing the effectiveness of the current non-legislative voluntary system between the automakers and the independent repair industry on non-emissions related diagnostic, service and repair information. Rep. Stearns is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
In addition to this news, MEMA yesterday announced that it has developed a position regarding the aftermarket industry’s “Right to Repair” issue, which was heard before a Congress subcommittee yesterday. (To read more,click here ) In a statement sent to members on Sept. 21, MEMA explained that it believes the ideal solution to assure the right to repair is through a spirit of cooperation between all stakeholders, such as that which exists today. However, MEMA notes that it will play the role of watchdog to ensure that this compliance continues. The first step of this process was the request to Congress to immediately undertake an audit of the effectiveness of the current non-legislative voluntary system between the automakers and the independent repair industry as it pertains to non-emissions related information.
In the statement, MEMA stressed that it supports the right of all consumers to use all available channels to have their vehicles repaired at the repair location of their choice. The statement added that MEMA also believes that the independent repair industry and the replacement parts suppliers need to have access to the necessary information to diagnose, service and provide replacement parts for the repair of all motor vehicles.
“However, our primary concern is the issue of enforcement, should the current cooperative spirit deteriorate,” the statement read. According to MEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Ann Wilson, MEMA will be exploring enforcement options including enhanced monitoring systems, binding agreements with the automakers and/or appropriate legislation if necessary. “MEMA stands ready to act in whatever responsible way necessary to insure the right to repair, should necessary information not continue to be forthcoming,” she said.
Wilson indicated that MEMA spent considerable time listening to all key stakeholders in the issue and monitoring the current information flow through the voluntary complaint resolution procedures in place on www.NASTF.com. “We’re encouraged by the spirit of cooperation but believe further monitoring of the system is necessary,” Wilson noted.
In addition to the Congressional audit, the statement to members outlined several initiatives that MEMA will pro-actively undertake including:
— Exploring other monitoring systems to assure compliance.
— Working to assure the independent repair industry receives the same or similar communications, education, and training on the available data, diagnostic equipment, replacement parts, and tools as the original equipment dealerships.
— Closely monitoring the report of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on compliance with the federal requirements associated with emissions control systems.
— Seeking opportunities both on an independent basis and in cooperation with National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) to address the concerns of all stakeholders including measuring the success and failures of the current system.
— Continuing a dialogue with all stakeholders to foster the current spirit of cooperation.
For more information about MEMA, go to: www.mema.org.
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