Updated Deal Reached Between OEMs & Repair Shops on Right to Repair
On Tuesday, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the Automotive Service Association and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists announced that they have reached an updated agreement to affirm the 2014 memorandum of understanding between automakers and the independent repair industry. Under the new deal, independent repair shops will continue to have access to the same diagnostic and repair information automakers make available to their dealers, including data needed to diagnose and repair a vehicle, and also covers all vehicle technologies and powertrains, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.
The groups also pledged to work together on education and training, and in support of federal legislation "to codify the various provisions of this commitment, ensuring consumer choice in vehicle repair across the country." The renewed agreement comes as Congress is considering several pieces of federal legislation related to right to repair, including the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act and Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act.
Emissions
More than 100 energy and farm groups sent a letter to President Biden this week urging that the administration reconsider its proposed tailpipe emissions plan released in April, which would essentially require that 67% of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2032. Automakers have also weighed in with the administration, warning that meeting the targets will pose significant challenges. Also this week, a group of 95 Democratic lawmakers asked the EPA to go even farther than its strictest ever proposal, and to pursue more aggressive emissions cuts which would equate to 69% of new vehicles being electric by 2032. Earlier this summer, 151 Republican members of the House of Representatives and 27 Republican Senators sent a letter to the EPA, urging the tighter standards be withdrawn, and President Joe Biden vetoed a bill that would have rolled back the proposal just a few weeks ago.
Quotes of the Week
"It should reassure [Congress] that independent repairers and automakers are not at odds on automotive data access, but rather in lockstep on this fundamental principle: Consumers should have choice when it comes to repair options and the ability to have their vehicle serviced in well-equipped shops by well-trained technicians anytime, anywhere, anyplace."
-Letter to lawmakers from Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the Automotive Service and Association and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (Automotive News)
"EPA’s proposals inhibit the marketplace from identifying the most efficient, lowest cost opportunities to reduce [greenhouse gas (GHG)] emissions from vehicles and greatly restrict consumer choice. We are concerned that such a prescriptive policy is not in the best interest of the consumer or of U.S. energy and economic security."
-Letter from more than 100 energy and farm groups to Biden Administration (Fox News)
ICYMI
In case you missed it, AIADA and Autos Drive America recently released the latest Economic Impact Report detailing the impact of international nameplate automakers and dealers in America. Check it out!
Friday Feel Good
Here is just one recent example of how dealers are doing good:
The Gettel Automotive Group volunteers have teamed up with Meals on Wheels Plus and will be at Pride Park, Bradenton and Lincoln Park, Palmetto every Friday through July. Food4Famlies, a program of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, provides critical nutrition to Manatee County residents in need. Drive-through events are free of charge and provide families with bags of food to last two or more days.
We want to hear more about how you are supporting your local community – tweet us at @AIADA_News and use the hashtag #DealersDoGood.
