JASPER Executive Vice President of Sales Joe McDonald recently met with Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack (above left) to discuss Right to Repair legislation. Scanning the QR code (above right) will open a consent form to be included in future letters to Congress supporting Right to Repair.
The Right to Repair Act supports fair competition, promotes consumer choice, and fosters innovation within the automotive industry. By advocating for the Right to Repair, garages can ensure they have access to essential tools, information, and parts, which is crucial for their ability to provide comprehensive and affordable repair services.
“Independent garages are the backbone of the automotive aftermarket. They deserve the same access to vehicle data, tools, and parts as dealerships,” said JASPER Executive Vice President of Sales Joe McDonald. “At JASPER, we believe that empowering these businesses isn’t just good for our industry – it’s good for every driver on the road.”
Here’s why an automotive garage should be actively involved:
Ensuring Fair Competition: Independent automotive garages often face an uneven playing field when compared to dealership service centers. Manufacturers frequently restrict access to diagnostic tools, repair manuals, and genuine parts, creating a near-monopoly on certain repairs. The Right to Repair Act aims to dismantle these barriers, allowing independent shops to compete fairly and allowing garages to purchase or license the same diagnostic tools and software used by dealerships, and to gain timely access to technical service bulletins, wiring diagrams, and other crucial repair information. Ensuring they can source original equipment (OE) parts or quality aftermarket alternatives without undue restrictions.
Promoting Consumer Choice and Affordability: When independent garages have the necessary resources, consumers benefit directly. Customers are not forced to go to a dealership for repairs, which can often be more expensive. Increased competition among repair shops naturally leads to more competitive pricing for services. Consumers can choose a local, trusted independent garage vs traveling sometimes up to 20 plus miles to the nearest dealership. They also contribute significantly to local economies by providing jobs and services.
Fostering Innovation and Skill Development: The Right to Repair isn’t just about current repairs; it’s about the future of the automotive service industry. With access to the latest vehicle data and tools, technicians in independent repair shops can continuously update their skills, staying current with advancements in automotive technology, including electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). When independent shops can work on all vehicles, it incentivizes the aftermarket industry to innovate and produce a broader range of parts and diagnostic solutions. The Act also opens discussions about how vehicle data is accessed and secured, which is vital as cars become more connected. Independent repair shops need to be part of these conversations to ensure secure and ethical data access for repairs.
“This legislation ensures the next generation of technicians and repair shop owners can thrive in a rapidly changing landscape,” McDonald added. “It’s not just about fixing cars – it’s about securing the future of our workforce and the customers they serve.”
Building Trust and Transparency: For an automotive garage, advocating for the Right to Repair demonstrates a commitment to transparency and consumer advocacy. It shows customers that the business is dedicated to providing the best possible service, even if it means challenging large manufacturers. This can build trust and customer loyalty.
Preparing for the Future of Automotive Technology: As vehicles become increasingly complex, software-driven, and connected, the need for Right to Repair legislation becomes even more critical. Without it, independent garages risk being left behind, unable to service newer models. Active involvement ensures that garages can adapt to technological advancements and continue to serve their communities effectively in the long run.
The Right to Repair Act is not just a legislative initiative; it’s a fundamental issue for the sustainability and growth of independent repair shops. By actively participating in and supporting this movement, they can safeguard their businesses, empower consumers, and contribute to a more competitive and innovative automotive repair landscape.
JASPER will continue to work with a coalition of other aftermarket companies supporting this legislation. We now have a QR code for our independent repair shops to use to support this bill. This QR code will go to a repair campaign that the AutoCare Association created, focused on independent shops.
It’s simple. Just scan the QR code above, input the required information and click “SUBMIT”. Once you click “SUBMIT,” the system will automatically send the pre-drafted email to Members of Congress based on your address. The best opportunity to get this bill into legislation is now. We need all your help getting as many letters as we can, showing the support required.
