MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Applaud Subcommittee Action on the REPAIR Act (H.R. 906)

Research Triangle Park, N.C. – MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, a membership group of MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, applauds the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce for today’s action reporting H.R. 906, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, out of the subcommittee. This action is a critical step on an important issue for vehicle consumers, repair shops, parts suppliers, and manufacturers. Advances in technology are making it easier to raise barriers between consumers and needed information to repair their vehicles. It has become clear that Congress must act.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers thanks Representative Neal Dunn (R-Florida) for introducing this important legislation and guiding it through the subcommittee process. Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-OR) are the legislation’s original co-sponsors.

Right to Repair has been gaining momentum for years. In the past year alone, Congress has held four hearings on the broad Right to Repair issue, including most recently on H.R. 906. In addition, a bi-partisan group of 43 additional House members have co-sponsored the REPAIR Act.

With today’s action, the REPAIR Act will move to consideration by the full Energy and Commerce Committee. Other stakeholders have brought forward recommendations to alter the current bill. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers looks forward to working with committee members, Members of Congress, and other stakeholders on improvements that would further ensure the legislation will continue to progress through Congress.

The REPAIR Act:

• Allows consumers to access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair, maintenance, and parts of their choosing through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come. 
• Allows consumers, repair shops and suppliers to access all necessary telematics and diagnostics data.
• Creates a mechanism for enforcement of national standards.
• Ensures that independent repair shops and suppliers can use bi-directional communication to update vehicles and parts to the latest software.
• Authorizes the NHTSA to set cybersecurity rules governing wireless access.
• Addresses the risk of repair monopolies that can occur when access to data and information is restricted.

“Without action from Congress, consumers will begin to lose choice and competition in the marketplace,” said Paul McCarthy, president and CEO, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “The time is now for right to repair on all vehicles. Following this important action by the subcommittee, we look forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve consensus on further improvements to the legislation that protect competition and consumer choice.”

About MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports over 900,000 American jobs in all 50 states. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues, and serving as a valued resource for member companies. Members represent all areas of the aftermarket including light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a membership group within MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association.

MEMA is the leading North American trade association for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations. MEMA has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Members supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society’s transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability.

MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at mema.org/aftermarket-suppliers.