U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) met with leaders at Arnold Motor Supply to discuss the importance of affordable and reliable vehicle repair options for consumers.

Leaders at Arnold Motor Supply took the opportunity to educate Sen. Ernst on today’s connected vehicles and discuss the need for passage of the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, H.R. 6570. The REPAIR Act would empower consumers by requiring manufacturers to make vehicle data and repair information available to car owners and their designated repair providers through a standardized, secure platform. In doing so, the REPAIR Act would restore consumers’ access to affordable and reliable vehicle service, according to Arnold Motor.

Today’s vehicles are more connected than ever, said the parts distributor. Equipped with on-board vehicle electronics that wirelessly transmit data, such as, vehicle location, driver behavior, vehicle speed, acceleration and braking, and important maintenance and repair information. 

Currently car manufacturers are the gatekeepers of this data, controlling who can have access and to what degree. “Access to vehicle diagnostic data is becoming one of the largest issues within our industry and it is starting to gain attention with the public at large. Ultimately this is a consumer choice issue. It is essential for local businesses to stay informed on policy issues, but also important to advocate and be proactive to help shape policy. It is valuable to be able to sit down with Senator Ernst and have a detailed conversation on issues important to us and our customers,” said Eric Johnson, president and managing partner at Arnold Motor Supply.