PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - March 14, 2011) - A coalition of independent auto repair shops, auto dealers and manufacturers, and labor organizations are urging legislators to reject so-called "Right to Repair" legislation, arguing that it is a solution in search of a problem that could result in inferior and unsafe auto parts, increased auto theft, higher consumer costs for auto repairs, and unwanted government intrusion into struggling independent automotive repair businesses throughout the state.
Representatives of the coalition -- Oregonians for Safe and Reliable Auto Repair -- testified today before the House Committee on Business and Labor, arguing that while HB 3243 portrays itself as an attempt to help independent "mom and pop" repair shops, it addresses a non-existent problem and could have serious negative consequences.
Aftermarket repair facilities handle approximately 75% of post-warranty vehicle repairs and automakers already provide all of the necessary service information to diagnose and repair vehicles through third party tool makers and automaker websites. Repairers also have the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) (www.nastf.org/) available to address any gaps or issues related to service information, tools and training.
"There is nothing wrong with the system as it exists now. We have the tools and technology we need and we know how to fix cars. This bill won't help the independent repair shop," commented Bill Filley, Owner of Prairie Road Automotive in Eugene and a member of the newly formed coalition. "The bill attempts to address a problem that never existed. Many services currently exist to supply technicians with the information they need, often within minutes."
The coalition contends that the real agenda of this legislation lies with those funding the effort who, based on public records, are largely the giant aftermarket parts manufacturers. These companies appear to be seeking an avenue toward litigation over trade secrets and intellectual property and by promoting HB 3243 in Oregon, seeking to make the state a hub for litigation over design information. According to the Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers, not all auto parts are created equal and inferior 'knock-off' parts can cause a safety hazard. "The counterfeit auto parts business is a $12 billion business overseas. Once auto design codes were widely available, there would be no way that government could ensure that parts used in repair shops were made correctly, safely and according to U.S. safety standards."
Oregonians for Safe and Reliable Auto Repair is a coalition of Oregon independent auto repair shops, dealers, auto manufacturers, and organized labor who believe that the so-called Right to Repair bill is bad public policy that could have negative consequences for Oregonians. Visit us at www.OregonSafeRepair.org
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