MEMA, AASA and CAR Coalition Extoll Victory for Automotive Consumer Rights…
4WD Mechanix Magazine has always supported our right to repair our own vehicles. This includes access to chassis and powertrain data and the right to select replacement parts from a variety of sources. Buying a specific make and model vehicle should not limit or obligate us to the vehicle manufacturer. Especially with 4×4 vehicles, we exercise the right to accessorize and make quality upgrades. Similarly, we should be able to diagnose, repair and service our vehicles ourselves or at the shop of our choosing. We should also have choices and options on our replacement and remanufactured service parts.
The magazine supports AAPEX, MEMA, AASA and CAR in their continued effort to promote consumer access to independent shops, the option of being a ‘DIY’ consumer/mechanic and the growth of quality automotive parts and powertrain remanufacturing options. Automotive vehicle manufacturers market OEM replacement parts, which can be an excellent choice as well. The question at stake has been your right to choose parts sources and service outlets. This milestone victory has been hard won. Thanks to AAPEX, MEMA, AASA and CAR for their efforts on our behalf.
July 10, 2021 Press Release from MEMA and AASA: MEMA and AASA Applaud President Biden for Executive Order Ushering in Consumer Choice in Right to Repair
The president’s executive order directs the FTC to establish new rules that will prevent manufacturers from limiting consumers’ ability to choose where and with what parts their vehicles will be repaired.
Research Triangle Park N.C. – The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (“MEMA”) and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (“AASA”) applaud President Biden for issuing an executive order today directing the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish new rules making it easier and cheaper for consumers to repair items they own – including their vehicles. As a strong advocate for access to consumer choice and vehicle data in the automotive aftermarket, AASA and MEMA thank the President for addressing this critical issue.
The executive order includes 72 specific initiatives including the requirement that the Federal Trade Commission initiate a rulemaking on repair and maintenance. AASA and MEMA have been advocating on behalf of the industry in Washington and urging the administration and Congress to act on this issue, including additional legislative direction for statutory authority.
“We look forward to working with the FTC to protect safe, affordable and equitable motor vehicle repair for American consumers and applaud the president for taking action,” commented Paul McCarthy, AASA President. “Consumer choice and competitive markets are essential to the success of the automotive aftermarket and today’s executive order make it a federal priority.”
“We applaud the president for taking this step, which will help ensure safe and affordable transportation for consumers over the life of a vehicle,” commented MEMA’s CEO Bill Long. “The industry must align behind repairabilty, as it supports brand and resale values, economic equity, and customer satisfaction over the lifetime of a U.S vehicle fleet that averages over 12 years old. We pledge to work closely with the administration, Congress, and all industry stakeholders to address these issues.”
“I applaud the President’s executive order. This paves the path for a bright future for the entire automotive aftermarket,” commented Eric Sills, AASA Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Motor Products, Inc., which employees approximately 2,400 people in 8 states. “More importantly, without these rules, American consumers would have limited repair options. Through this executive order, the administration has made a strong statement that consumer access to quality vehicle repair must be protected.”
In May 2021, the FTC submitted a report to Congress identifying anti-competitive repair restrictions, parts limitations, and inaccessible software specially in the vehicle manufacturing and mobile phone repair and maintenance. The report notes that, “there is scant evidence to support manufacturers’ justifications for repair restrictions.” The FTC findings are in lock step with what AASA and MEMA have been advocating for on behalf of the aftermarket.
The executive order includes vehicle manufacturing, as well as other consumer and trade products such as tractors, cell phone, and other consumer electronics.
About MEMA
Since 1904, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has been the voice of the automotive and commercial vehicle supplier industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the United States. Across the entire range of new vehicle innovation—from autonomous to zero-emissions technologies—vehicle suppliers are leading the way. Our member companies conceive, design and manufacture the original equipment systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value in every vehicle. Member companies also supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and society’s need for transportation. And all of our members’ work is done with a focus on public safety and the environment.
We live in a fast-paced industry and world, and MEMA is committed to making both a better place to work and live. We foster a respectful, diverse and collaborative community. We are stronger together because we promote inclusion in all aspects of the vehicle supplier industry.
MEMA is the parent organization of four affiliate associations: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing, and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich., Research Triangle Park, N.C. and Washington, D.C. Learn more about our organization, our members and the great vehicle supplier community at MEMA.org.
About AASA The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) connects suppliers of aftermarket parts, chemicals, tools, diagnostics, and technologies to what matters – including industry analysis, peer forums, customer and technology trends, global insights, and government advocacy. Since 1904, AASA’s sole purpose is championing the North American aftermarket industry and advocating for the growth of a profitable, innovative, and influential supplier community. Learn more about how AASA connects members to what matters at aftermarketsuppliers.org.
July 9, 2021…For Immediate Release from CAR Coalition:
CAR Coalition Applauds Presidential Executive Order on Right to Repair
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 9, 2021) – The CAR Coalition, a growing group of independent automotive parts, management and repair companies, associations, and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair, today applauded President Biden’s announcement of an executive order (EO) that will enhance competitiveness in the U.S. economy and enhance consumers’ ability to choose where and how they repair their vehicles. Specifically, the CAR Coalition applauded the EO’s recommendation that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiate a rulemaking on repair and maintenance of several industries including the auto industry. Earlier this year, the FTC noted restrictions on consumer options in vehicle repair.
“The CAR Coalition applauds the Biden administration for putting consumers first in the vehicle repair process,” Justin Rzepka, CAR Coalition Executive Director said. “This executive order will help expand choices for consumers and establish a more level playing field in the post-collision vehicle repair market. Competition breeds better service and more options. We look forward to working with the Biden administration on the implementation of this order. We also continue to urge Congress to address this important issue through legislation.”
Specifically, the EO includes 72 specific initiatives aimed at enhancing competition and choices for consumers when it comes to repair, including vehicle manufacturing. A White House fact sheet on the EO can be read HERE.
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ABOUT THE CAR COALITION
The CAR Coalition is committed to preserving and protecting consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair by ensuring competition in the automotive collision parts industry. Members include: Allstate, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency, Inc. (AMECA), AutoZone, Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), Diamond Standard, Geotab, KSI Auto Parts, and LKQ Corporation. Learn more at carcoalition.com.
July 22, 2021: Update Release Regarding FTC Consumer Protection Against Repair Restrictions
NEWS RELEASE From MEMA:
For Immediate Release: July 22, 2021
MEMA and AASA Reinforce Support to FTC as Commission Unanimously Voted to Ramp Up Law Enforcement Against Repair Restrictions
MEMA’s Catherine Boland commented during FTC’s open meeting during which a policy statement aimed at restoring Right to Repair for small businesses, workers, consumers, and government entities was adopted.
Research Triangle Park N.C. – During a policy meeting yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) unanimously voted to ramp up law enforcement against illegal repair restrictions. Catherine Boland, Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (“MEMA”), commented on behalf of AASA during the hearing in support of the automotive aftermarket’s fight for appropriate access to vehicle data.
“Contrary to what vehicle manufacturers claim, independent aftermarket vehicle service can be completed in a safe and cybersecure fashion. We applaud the findings and recommendations in the Nixing the Fix report and thank the FTC for today’s policy statement that will ensure that vehicle owners will continue to be able to choose where to repair their vehicles,” commented Catherine Boland in the July 21, 2021 policy meeting. “We also urge the FTC to consider what additional statutory authority may be necessary to protect consumer choice in repair and work with Congress to seek those legislative changes. Independent aftermarket service must remain a viable option. We look forward to working with policymakers to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties.”
In a July 16, 2021 letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan, Paul McCarthy, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (“AASA”) urged, “…the FTC to consider what specific additional statutory authority is needed to ensure that consumers can continue to choose where and how to seek vehicle repair, maintenance and service as vehicles become more technically advanced. Legislation is necessary to ensure that the FTC’s authority remains current as vehicle technology continues to evolve. Such guidance will assist Congress as it deliberates on legislation to further enhance consumer protections.”
Yesterday’s FTC meeting comes on the heels of President’s Biden’s June 2021 Executive Order to establish new rules making it easier and cheaper for consumers to repair items they own – including their vehicles. The executive order includes 72 specific initiatives including a call for the Federal Trade Commission initiate a rulemaking on repair and maintenance. AASA and MEMA have been advocating on behalf of the industry in Washington and urging the administration and Congress to act on this issue, including additional legislative direction for increased consumer protection authority at the FTC. In May 2021, the FTC submitted a report to Congress identifying anti-competitive repair restrictions, parts limitations, and inaccessible software specially in the vehicle manufacturing and mobile phone repair and maintenance. The report notes that, “there is scant evidence to support manufacturers’ justifications for repair restrictions.” The FTC findings are in lock step with what AASA and MEMA have been advocating for on behalf of the aftermarket.
