The CAR Coalition, a growing group of independent automotive parts, management and repair companies, associations, and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair, today commended a unanimous report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging expanded consumer access to auto repair options. The CAR Coalition supports federal legislation to give consumers more options in the post-collision auto repair market and the ability to control their own vehicle data.
The CAR Coalition is firmly committed to putting consumers first in the post-collision repair process. A person’s vehicle is often one of their biggest investments. It’s only right that an individual decides where, when and how their vehicle is repaired following a collision or any time a repair is needed. To ensure consumers have as many options as possible, the CAR Coalition is actively working with policymakers to advance federal legislation that protects these choices and creates a level playing field for independent parts producers, repairers, and insurers. Auto manufacturers should not have complete control over the process. Given the recent report from the Federal Trade Commission on right to repair, it’s clear the time is ripe for this effort.
Justin Rzepka, Executive Director of the CAR Coalition said:
“The FTC report is a clear signal that there should be federal legislation protecting consumer’s rights in the post-collision repair market.” He added: “For far too long, the auto companies have dictated where and how consumers can repair their own vehicles.
We concur with the FTC that consumers should be empowered to make choices when it comes to repairing products they repair and own, specifically their cars.”
Specifically, the FTC report highlights:
- The use of telematics to limit independent repair access and consumer choice in the auto repair industry. (p. 21)
- The use of automaker-produced parts and affiliate repair networks to restrict repair options. (p.22)
- The practice of VIN burning which constrains the use of parts to a single vehicle. (p. 24)
- The attempt of auto manufacturers to create product monopolies with the increased use of technology in cars. (p. 41)
- The overwhelming support for a Right to Repair initiative in Massachusetts. (p. 45-46)
Rzepka added:
“The CAR Coalition stands ready to work with the FTC and Members of Congress to advance pro-consumer post-collision repair legislation. The time has come to put consumers in the driver’s seat on auto repair.”
ABOUT THE CAR COALITION
The CAR Coalition is committed to preserving and protecting consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair by ensuring competition in the automotive collision parts industry.
Members include Allstate, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency, Inc. (AMECA), AutoZone, Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), Diamond Standard, Geotab, and LKQ Corporation.
Contact Justin Rzepka, CAR Coalition Executive Director, justin@carcoaltion.com or visit www.carcoalition.com
