U.S. Senate Hears About Right to Repair

On July 30, 2002 the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Foreign Commerce and Tourism conducted a hearing to gather information on S.2716, The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act. Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) called a number of witnesses to testify including: John Nielsen, AAA; John M. Cabaniss Jr., International Auto Manufacturers; Greg Dana, Alliance of Automobile Manufactures; Dale Feste, of Dale Feste Automotive; Bill Haas, Automotive Service Association; and John Vallely, Mclean Marathon Service. Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN), the bill's sponsor, also testified.

Substantial evidence was presented that non-dealer service facilities are not being provided access to the tools or information required to repair and maintain late model vehicles. In fact, ASA estimated that over $18 billion in sales were being lost annually by repair garages that were forced to refer customers to dealer-run service centers.

Sen. Dorgan made it clear that consumer choice in auto repair is an important issue for his Subcommittee and he challenged vehicle manufacturers to quickly make all the necessary service information available or face legislation that will force them to do so.

For more information on the House and Senate versions of the Right to Repair Act as well as how you can get involved, visit the Right-to-Repair Act page.

Photos from the July 30 Event

Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN), sponsor of S.2716 listens as technicians demonstrates how the car companies lock them out of certain areas of the OBDII system.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) questions witnesses about whether the aftermarket has access to all car company service information and tools.

A joint car company and aftermarket panel of experts provides testimony regarding the Motor Vehicle Owners Right To Repair legislation.