AAA Urges Congress to Protect Consumer Choice of Repair Providers.

Business Editors

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 2002

AAA, North America's largest organization for car owners, today asked Congress to protect continued consumer choice in deciding who will service and maintain their personal automobiles, by passing The Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act.

American and import automobile manufacturers are currently restricting access to data generated by automobiles sold to the public, so only their franchise dealers will be able to read and interpret information necessary to repair a consumer's car or truck.

"AAA strongly supports this legislation for three important reasons. They are consumer choice, vehicle safety and the right of car owners to own the information generated by their automobiles," said John Nielsen, AAA director of Automotive Services and Repair.

"Studies show consumers find automotive repair and maintenance stressful and that consumers want to choose who repairs their vehicles. Having confidence in a trusted service technician goes a long way towards alleviating that stress."

A recent AAA study found as many as 80 percent of our members believe it is important or very important that consumers be able to choose a service provider other than a dealership," Nielsen said.

It is becoming increasingly difficult or impossible for independent technicians to diagnose and repair critical safety systems, such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and electronic traction and stability control system without access to vehicle data.

When safety systems or other components fail, consumers may be stranded many miles from a new car dealership, or left to wait until the only dealership in town opens, or has time to work on their vehicle. This represents an unreasonable inconvenience and could put the safety of motorists at risk, AAA said.

Consumers that have previously had negative experiences at a particular local dealership -- including overcharging, work not performed on time, unauthorized repairs, or repairs not properly performed -- also are harmed because they do not have the recourse of taking their vehicle elsewhere the next time they need service, AAA said.

"Taking a vehicle to a dealership for repair or service is a viable option for many motorists," said Nielsen. "In fact, many of our members enjoy the relationship and service that dealers provide. We simply believe that motorists should have the choice.

"AAA also believes that when a consumer drives off the lot with their new car, they own more than just the vehicle; they own the information necessary to have it repaired by a trusted service advisor of their choosing -- whether it be an independent facility or a dealership. This information, whether it is viewed as intellectual property or real property, is really the property of the car-buyer," Nielsen said.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its 43 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding 100 years ago, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.aaa.com.