News Release

For Immediate Release
8/9/01

For more information, contact Rich White, (301) 654-6664.

Right to Repair Act Legislation Introduced
APSA Say HR 2735 Will Preserve Competition

BETHESDA, MD - August 9, 2001 - Legislation that will ensure the car owner's ability to choose where their vehicle will be repaired was introduced August 2 in the House of Representatives. Supported by the Automotive Parts Service Alliance (APSA), the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act of 2001, HR 2735 is being sponsored by Representatives Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Joe Barton (R-TX).

"The bill will preserve competition by ensuring that the independent aftermarket has access to service information, tools and independently produced replacement parts to work on all areas of the vehicle," said Alfred L. Gaspar, AAIA president and CEO. "HR 2735 is very important to the future of the independent aftermarket and I urge all companies and individuals to write their elected representatives in support of its immediate."

APSA is a joint effort of the government affairs departments of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).

Specifically, HR 2735 would:

• Reaffirm the owner's right to repair their automobile and keep their family safe.
• Promote consumer safety by allowing the owner or their mechanic access to the computers that control the systems and components of their automobile.
• Permit the owner to choose the repair shop and the replacement parts necessary to service and maintain their vehicle.
• Promote competition and affordability in auto repair.
• Authorize the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate regulations to protect the consumer and to promote competition in auto maintenance and repair.
• Provide the car owner a cause of action in federal court for violation of this Act.

"The increased use by vehicle manufacturers of electronics and sophisticated computers has provided many benefits to both drivability and safety. However, these advances also have brought about limits to the ability of independent aftermarket companies to provide service and develop parts for late model vehicles," said Jim Eady, AWDA president. "Unless we address these concerns, car owners will be faced with significantly higher repair and parts costs as well as more inconvenience in obtaining needed repairs."

"HR 2735 is designed to ensure competition while preserving the benefits of new technology and the legitimate intellectual property of the car companies," said Gaspar.

The bill will likely go to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for initial consideration.

About the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association:

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer's representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket. AAIA formerly served the aftermarket as APAA and ASIA.

About the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association:

The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) was founded in 1947 and is the oldest organized group of warehouse distributors and their respective suppliers of parts, accessories, tools and other supplies for the automotive aftermarket. AWDA consists of more than 300 warehouse distributor manufacturer members, in addition to affiliate, marketing association and press members.