Aftermarket Suppliers to Educate Lawmakers About Data Access Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Seven member companies from AASA and MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing are in Washington, D.C., this week as part of an organized effort to inform members of Congress on issues related to data access and consumers’ right to choose who repairs their vehicles.

The companies will be meeting individually and in groups with more than 20 lawmakers to address concerns that limits on access to data collected by vehicles will curb consumers freedom of choice for service and parts for their motor vehicles.

Vehicle owners rely on convenient, cost-effective solutions for maintenance and repair. Independent repair shops comprise approximately 70 percent of the service bay capacity and provide a convenient and affordable solution for vehicle service. MEMA and representatives from members companies will encourage members of Congress to promote policies that allow access to vehicle data and software, supporting motorist freedom-of-choice for vehicle repair.

“The repair industry, including aftermarket manufacturers, remanufacturers, and diagnostic test equipment companies, must have access to vehicle software necessary to repair vehicles on behalf of consumers. This will ensure continued convenience, affordability, and a competitive market for vehicle servicing,” said AASA President and COO Paul McCarthy.

The fly-in, which will take place on July 17 and 18, comes immediately after the July 16 “Nixing the Fix: A Workshop on Repair Restrictions,” held in Washington by the Federal Trade Commission.