Car Manufacturers Reach an Agreement with Europe, but Refuse to Deal with US Auto Repair Shops

European automotive repair shops are receiving an advantage that the ones in the United States are deprived of, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). The United States is failing to protect small automotive repair business within the country by refusing to pass legislation against a repair monopoly.

The European Commission came to an agreement with several U.S. automobile manufacturers. General Motors, Daimler-Chrysler, Toyota and Fiat have all promised to give the technical information needed to their vehicle to the auto repair shops in Europe. In the agreement, auto manufactures are required to give independent shops the same information afforded to the authorized repair facilities. The only information that is limited by the agreement are the on-board computer systems and anti-theft systems.

According to the AAIA, United States auto repair shops have been trying to come to a similar agreement for years. Yet, the auto manufacturers refuse to divulge the same information given to the European Commission to independent repair shops in America. This lack of free information is creating a monopoly within the auto repair industry, forcing car owners to go to only authorized repair shops.

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act promises to put an end to this unfair monopoly. The proposed bill protects the rights of independent shops and will promote competition within the industry. If more shops have the same technical information as the authorized shops, it will open up more choices for the American people. By restricting this information, many shops are forced to close because they do not have the expertise to work on today's modern cars.