In a policy meeting earlier this week, a unanimous vote from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) decided to increase law enforcement against repair restrictions.
“Contrary to what vehicle manufacturers claim, independent aftermarket vehicle service can be completed in a safe and cyber-secure 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,” Catherine Boland stated. “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.”
Catherine Boland is the vice president of legislative affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association; her statement was made on behalf of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) at the policy meeting.
Prior to the vote, FTC had already been making a case against repair restrictions. In a report submitted to Congress, FTC identified anti-competitive repair restrictions, parts limitations, and inaccessible software specifically in 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's vote and findings of their report are in line with what AASA and MEMA have been advocating for on behalf of the automotive aftermarket.
