Jump to content

  • Welcome to Auto Parts Forum

    Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. 

     

Right To Repair: Automakers Ask For More Time In Massachusetts

Counterman

By Counterman
in Auto Parts News

 Share

Recommended Posts

Counterman Contributor

Counterman

Posted
Posted

In November 2020, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly approved an update to the state’s landmark Right to Repair law, requiring automakers to provide a platform that enables motorists to access and control their vehicles’ telematics data.

While the passage of Ballot Question 1 was a huge win for the automotive aftermarket, it’s unclear when the provisions of the legislation will see the light of day.

After voters approved the ballot measure by a 75% to 25% margin, a coalition of automakers – the Alliance for Automotive Innovation – filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the ballot question based on a litany of allegations, including cybersecurity concerns; insufficient time to comply with the new data-access requirements; and their contention that the ballot initiative is preempted by federal law.

Over the past two years, the automakers have managed to keep the case tied up in court. Attorney General Maura Healey has idled the legislation until the lawsuit is resolved.

Recently, it was reported that the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the state attorney general’s office have submitted scheduling proposals for further proceedings in the litigation.

In its proposal, the

link hidden, please login to view
states: “While it remains the plaintiff’s position that the OEMs cannot comply with the plain language of the Data Access Law without violating their safety obligations under the Vehicle Safety Act, plaintiff understood the court to request a more robust discussion of the statutory interpretation issues that hopefully could narrow areas of disagreement. We are not off to an encouraging start. Worse, the attorney general couples her reiterated interpretations with an accelerated schedule that will ensure this endeavor fails. The attorney general’s proposed schedule simply does not allow time for a deeper dive on these interpretation questions.”

The alliance proposed being given until Sept. 22 to review and reply to the AG’s proposal with the hopes of conferring and submitting a single clarified document on or before Oct. 14.

“It’s been nearly two years since the people of Massachusetts voiced their strong desire for more choice and competition when it comes to auto repairs,” Justin Rzepka, executive director of the CAR Coalition, said in response to the latest activity in the case. “As this case continues to drag on, Congress cannot wait – it must act on federal Right to Repair solutions, like the REPAIR and SMART Acts, to restore choice and empower businesses to service car owners that want options.”

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., the Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development will hold a 

link hidden, please login to view
 on Right to Repair at 10 a.m. EST on Wed., Sept. 14. Witnesses include the executive director of the Repair Association, which 
link hidden, please login to view
, along with representatives from a New Hampshire-based tech shop and Maine family farm.

The post

link hidden, please login to view
appeared first on
link hidden, please login to view
.

link hidden, please login to view

Sell your car with CarBrain

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Similar Topics

    • Dorman Products
      Why some vehicles have more than one spin-on filter
      By Dorman Products
      Why some vehicles have more than one spin-on filter
    • Dorman Products
      Do you know the right way to use rasps and files?
      By Dorman Products
      Do you know the right way to use rasps and files?
    • Counterman
      Support for the REPAIR Act 2025
      By Counterman
      The Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, CAR Coalition, CVSN, PAMA and NFIB support the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair” (REPAIR) Act 2025.
      Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced this bipartisan, bicameral bill.
      The bill ensures that consumers can repair their vehicles freely, safely and affordably.
      The Impact of Automaker Restrictions
      As vehicles modernize, automakers block independent repair shops and aftermarket suppliers.
      They impose arbitrary restrictions on who can access repair data. This forces Americans into exclusive, more expensive repair networks.
      As a result, American drivers face higher repair bills with fewer repair choices. Independent repair shops, parts manufacturers, and aftermarket service providers struggle with automaker restrictions. These barriers complicate routine repairs and maintenance. A recent survey shows that 84% of independent repair shops view data access as a top issue.
      Support from Industry Leaders for the REPAIR Act 2025
      “The
      link hidden, please login to view applauds Senators Luján and Hawley for introducing the commonsense, bipartisan REPAIR Act 2025,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Thanks to their leadership, federal right to repair protections gain ground in both chambers of Congress. We commit to protecting nearly 300 million drivers and 900,000 technicians who depend on the $500 billion auto care industry. We’ll work together to turn the commonsense REPAIR Act 2025 into law.” Promoting Consumer Choice and Freedom
      “Americans deserve a car repair market that promotes choice and protects access to affordable and safe repairs,” said Justin Rzepka, executive director of the CAR Coalition. “As the right to repair movement strengthens, we’re thrilled to have the leadership of Sens. Luján and Hawley. The REPAIR Act 2025’s introduction in the Senate is a huge milestone. This bill brings us closer to empowering consumers with the freedom to choose safe and cost-effective solutions.”
      Protecting the Aftermarket Industry
      “We thank Senators Luján and Hawley for introducing this important, bipartisan legislation to protect vehicle owners,” said Paul McCarthy, president,
      link hidden, please login to view. “The REPAIR Act ensures aftermarket suppliers can continue to deliver innovation, parts, and tools for safe, affordable vehicle repair. This bill protects consumer choice, maintains a level playing field, and strengthens businesses and jobs in our vital industry.” Strengthening Supply Chains and Competition
      “CVSN thanks Senators Luján and Hawley for protecting America’s supply chains by keeping trucks and fleets on the road,” said Kristen Kellogg, senior director, government affairs, CVSN. “Giving drivers the freedom to choose where they repair their vehicles strengthens competition. It supports a resilient supply chain and ensures fair access to repair.
      This legislation is a win for consumers, independent repairers, and businesses across the U.S.”
      NFIB’s Support for Competitive Auto Repair
      “NFIB applauds Senators Luján and Hawley for leading the Senate on this important bipartisan bill,” said Andrea McGee, principal, federal government relations, NFIB. “The REPAIR Act maintains competition in the automotive industry. Almost 90% of NFIB members voted in support of right to repair, making it one of their top priorities. NFIB thanks Senators Luján and Hawley for their dedication to this issue.”
      PAMA’s Call for Consumer Protection
      “PAMA commends Senators Luján and Hawley for taking this important step to cement consumer choice,” said Justin Cialella, government affairs committee director for the Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association. “This legislation comes at a critical juncture. Automakers continue to impose barriers that restrict our ability to repair vehicles.”
      Public Support for Right to Repair Legislation
      Independent repair shops and other members urge Congress to pass automotive right to repair legislation. Consumers agree – 75% of American drivers support right to repair solutions like the REPAIR Act 2025.
      House Reintroduction and Growing Support
      This milestone follows the bill’s recent reintroduction in the House of Representatives.
      Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL-02) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) lead the effort with more than 20 bipartisan cosponsors.
      Call to Action for the REPAIR Act 2025
      Join us in calling on Congress to advance the REPAIR Act 2025 today at link hidden, please login to view.
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • Dorman Products
      Smarter Volkswagen PCV diaphragm repair | Dorman OE FIX 917-064
      By Dorman Products
      Smarter Volkswagen PCV diaphragm repair | Dorman OE FIX 917-064
    • Counterman
      US Motor Works Releases More Fuel Pump Modules
      By Counterman
      US Motor Works announced the release of new
      link hidden, please login to view Professional Series fuel pump modules in April, 2025. The new product have 100% OEM performance, the company said. Application coverage for the fuel pump module assemblies and fuel transfer units includes several Infiniti, Chevrolet and GMC models.
      The
      link hidden, please login to view provides full details. The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view

×
×
  • Create New...