Today’s vehicles are more connected than ever. They are equipped with on-board vehicle electronics that wirelessly transmit data such as vehicle location, driver behavior, vehicle speed, acceleration and braking, and important maintenance and repair information.
Currently, car manufacturers are the gatekeepers of this data, controlling who can have access and to what degree. “Access to vehicle diagnostic data is becoming one of the largest issues within our industry and it is starting to gain attention with the public, at large. Ultimately this is a consumer choice issue. It is essential for local businesses to stay informed on policy issues, but also important to advocate and be proactive to help shape policy. It is valuable to be able to sit down with Senator Ernst and have a detailed conversation on issues important to us and our customers”, says Eric Johnson, president and managing partner at Arnold Motor Supply.
The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, H.R. 6570, would empower consumers by requiring manufacturers to make vehicle data and repair information available to car owners and their designated repair providers, through a standardized, secure platform. In doing so, the REPAIR Act would restore consumers’ access to affordable and reliable vehicle service.
