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Tampa, Fla., July 30, 2002 – AAA, North America's largest
organization for car owners with over 43 million members, 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 a consumer’s right to choose
where and how their vehicle is serviced," said Ed Schatzman,
Vice President of Automotive Services for AAA Auto Club South.
"The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act would
protect the right of motorists to own the information generated by
their automobiles."
A recent AAA study found that as many as 80 percent of AAA
members believe it is important or very important that consumers
be able to choose a service provider other than a dealership.
Unfortunately, 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. Many times, this data is controlled by a computer
inside your vehicle that only the dealer can access.
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 representatives
testified this morning.
AAA 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, AAA added.
To view a full version of AAA’s testimony before the Senate
Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer
Affairs, Foreign Commerce and Tourism, visit http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_news/testimony.asp.
AAA Auto Club South is the third largest affiliate in the AAA
organization, serving more than 3.4 million members in Florida,
Georgia and the western two-thirds of Tennessee.
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.
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