National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Declares its Support of 'Right to Repair'

BETHESDA, Md., July 8, 2009; The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), a national trade association representing independent automobile dealers, has declared its support of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) and strongly urges Congress to pass the legislation on behalf of its over 20,000 members.

"NIADA shares the belief that specialized equipment, information and materials should be available to all repair facilities who wish to pursue repair opportunities and should not be restricted to just those who are affiliated with a manufacturer," said Michael R. Linn, CEO of NIADA. "Right to Repair ensures that our members' customers can have their vehicles serviced at the repair shop of their choice."

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 working condition requires ready access to complete and accurate information, tools and software from the car companies. The Right to Repair Act offers protections for motor vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.

"We encourage our members and all motorists to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of their congressional representatives, urging them to support the Right to Repair Act," continued Linn.

About NIADA:

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) is the only national not-for-profit organization representing the independent motor vehicle industry. The mission of NIADA is to promote, educate and advance the interests of the independent motor vehicle dealer through industry education, valuable information, services and benefits designed to prepare its members for an ever-changing marketplace. NIADA was founded in 1946 and is located in Arlington, Texas. For more information, visit www.niada.com.

About Right to Repair:

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA), would require car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealers. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill's requirements. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.