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| For Immediate Release September 26, 2002 |
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Reach Historic Agreement on Service Information
Washington, D.C. — In a joint letter to Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Foreign Commerce and Tourism, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance), the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced today that they have reached an understanding regarding the type of service information and diagnostic tools available to independent repairers. Under the agreement, automakers have committed to providing independent repair shops with the same service and training information related to vehicle repair as is available to franchised dealerships.
At a July 30, 2002 hearing on Senate Bill 2617 (“The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act”), automakers pledged to work with independent repairers to resolve all outstanding issues relating the availability of service and repair information. This agreement is the outcome of those discussions.
The joint letter to Senator Dorgan states, “This commitment will continue the viability of the automotive service industry and preclude the need for current legislation while we work on implementation. Moreover, successful implementation will eliminate the need for future state and federal legislation.” Alliance Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Stanton, said, “Currently, about 75 percent of vehicle service and repairs are performed in independent repair shops. We are pleased that the industry could work together to ensure fair and open competition in the automotive service industry. This commitment to cooperation instead of legislation serves our interest, those of the independent repair industry, and most importantly, our mutual customers - the motoring public.”
ASA Chairman of the Board Dan Frohlich added, “"This agreement is an investment in the future of independent automotive service. By building bridges between manufacturers and the aftermarket, ASA is ensuring the long-term viability of independent repair. One cannot overstate the historical significance of this covenant."
AIAM President & CEO Timothy MacCarthy stated, “Automakers and the service industry are partners in serving the driving public. Ensuring that the service industry has the information and tools it needs is vital to the interests of auto manufacturers.”
The National Automotive Service Task Force, a cooperative joint activity established in 2000 that includes auto manufacturers, the auto service industry and tool companies, will continue to provide a forum for industry and the aftermarket to resolve service information issues. In view of this ongoing cooperation, the letter invites Senator Dorgan and the Subcommittee staff to “periodically review the progress being made” on implementing this agreement.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 12 car and light truck manufacturers who account for more than 90 percent of U.S. vehicle sales. Member companies include BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. For more information, visit the Alliance website at http://www.autoalliance.org/.
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is an international organization made up of approximately 12,000 member-businesses that work to deliver excellence in mechanical, collision and transmission service to consumers. For more information please visit www.asashop.org/.
Members of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers include American Honda Motor Co., American Suzuki Motor Corp., Aston Martin Lagonda of North America, Inc., Hyundai Motor America, Isuzu Motors America, Inc., Kia Motors America, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Nissan North America, Peugeot Motors of America, Saab Cars USA, Renault, SA, Subaru of America, and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. For more information about AIAM and its members, visit www.aiam.org/.
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