Right to Repair Agreement Distracts From Need to Pass the REPAIR Act
The Automotive Service Association, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and Alliance for Automotive Innovation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the right to repair that updates a 2014 national MOU between automakers and the independent repair industry. The agreement now includes telematics data needed to diagnose and repair vehicles and covers all vehicle technologies and powertrains.
While the MOU is a step in the right direction, it is non-binding and provides access only to telematics and data that is available through the OBDII port. Automakers would provide access through OEM-controlled systems and tools per the agreement. The MOU does not provide vehicle owners and the aftermarket with direct access to telematic and repair data. Simply put, the MOU does not provide the full protections needed to maintain a competitive repair and modification market in the future.