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American Families Save $26 Billion Annually at Independent Repair Shops, Data Shows

Right to Repair proponents say research demonstrates need for legislation.

From aftermarketNews

Proponents of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act Web say that new data revealing the economic importance of the automotive aftermarket to consumers shows why Congress needs to pass legislation to ensure a competitive repair market.

According to the new study conducted by John Dunham and Associates for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), independent auto repair shops save American consumers nearly $26 billion or $360 per family annually. The newly released data also provides estimated figures on the number of repair shops per state and congressional district, plus estimated sales per shop, overall sales and savings realized by choosing an independent repair shop per state and congressional district.

"This comprehensive data provides even more evidence that the automotive aftermarket is a central part of the economy and that consumers will realize significant savings from a competitive vehicle repair marketplace," said Ray Pohlman, president of CARE. "An extra $360 annually can help a family buy groceries and pay medical bills. Passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) is paramount to ensuring that there will be a competitive automotive repair industry now and in the future."

"This data reveals that significant dollars are at stake not only to the U.S. economy but to each American family in passing Right to Repair legislation. The study further explains why the car manufacturers would like to retain control of the repair information, tools and software needed by independent repair shops to repair late model vehicles," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of AAIA. "Every single person who owns or operates a vehicle stands to suffer economically if the Right to Repair Act is not passed."

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) currently has the support of 46 members of the House of Representatives.

Data from the study is now available on the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act Web site at www.guerrillaeconomics.biz/righttorepair.

Consumers interested in supporting Right to Repair can send a letter urging their members of Congress to support the pending legislation by visiting www.righttorepair.org.