Survey Questions Needed for Massachusetts ‘Right to Repair’ Bill
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers commissioned a poll recently to determine the necessity of the Right to Repair bill. The survey included the opinions of 501 Massachusetts drivers who operate cars that are no longer under the manufacturers’ warranties. The purpose of designing the poll was to determine whether consumers were dissatisfied with independent auto repair work. According to the survey, 96 percent of respondents said they found the repair and maintenance performed on their automobiles to be satisfactory.
The survey also showed that 91 percent of consumers have never had an issue with getting their cars serviced by independent car repair locations because the shop could not acquire information or necessary tools from auto manufacturers, according to a report posted on The Auto Channel. Fifty-eight percent of people surveyed said they bring their vehicles to an independent auto repair shop rather to the dealership after the warranty has expired. About 26 percent of people bring their cars to the dealership after their warranty has expired, with the remaining percentage working on their cars on their own. All respondents in the survey were 18 years of age or older. The survey was completed by the Clarus Research Group.
The survey was conducted in response to two bills that the Massachusetts legislature will be considering. One bill would require manufacturers to give independent auto shops information and diagnostic tools that they currently offer to franchised service centers. Manufacturers oppose the legislation, claiming that it is funded by chain auto part stores like Napa and Auto Zone that are seeking access to car manufacturer designs in order to reproduce car parts in overseas facilities. They also claim that the results of the survey illustrate the point that the Right to Repair bill is the answer to a problem that does not exist.
Michael Monheit is the managing lawyer at Monheit Law, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has practiced law since 1989. Michael Monheit was the managing attorney of the law offices of Herbert Monheit — now Silverman and Fodera — a firm... Michael Monheit→