The CAR Coalition on July 13 released a new survey that demonstrates strong support for federal vehicle right to repair legislation, highlighting the need for the bipartisan SMART (H.R. 1707) and REPAIR (H.R. 906) acts, which will ensure expanded repair options and consumer access to vehicle data.
The new survey comes as lawmakers are scheduled to hold a hearing on right to repair issues July 18 in the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet.
CAR Coalition Executive Director Justin Rzepka said the survey suggests consumers are aware of repair restrictions and want greater choice in the vehicle repair market.
“It couldn’t be clearer that vehicle owners want and expect options when it comes to repairing their vehicles," Rzepka said. "They also believe they should be in the driver’s seat when it comes to accessing their vehicle data, not the auto manufacturers. This survey is more evidence that lawmakers must pass the SMART and REPAIR acts to ensure these consumer protections are put in place.”
According to the national YouGov survey of 1,000 vehicle owners conducted June 29–July 5, a sizable majority of Americans support a federal vehicle right to repair law that would prevent automakers from restricting vehicle owners’ repair options. Americans believe they should be able to decide where and who repairs their vehicle and have access to their vehicle’s data. They also showed a strong preference for independent repair shops over dealerships.
Key results included:
- 94% want to choose where their vehicle is repaired
- 93% want to choose who repairs their vehicle
- 79% are willing to share their vehicle data with independent repair shops
- 75% support legislation preventing auto manufacturers from restricting consumer access to vehicle data
- 74% believe vehicle owners should have access to their vehicle data
- 63% would take their vehicle to an independent repair shop
To learn more about the survey and the SMART and REPAIR acts, visit carcoalition.com.
The CAR Coalition is a growing group of independent automotive parts, management and repair companies, associations and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair.
Source: CAR Coalition
Abby Andrews