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Right To Repair - A Hot Issue

576 messages,  Last post on Feb 04, 2013 at 8:06 PM

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Messages Page 54 of 58

#528 of 576 not as easy as a simple bumper sticker slogan by Stever@Edmunds HOST

May 27, 2012 (6:22 am)

"Should the question go to the ballot, Bradley predicted that supporters of improving access to repair information for independent auto body shops would have an easier time framing their argument for voters.
  
“The only holdout right now is General Motors so we’re hopeful there will be an agreement reached to bring to the House. This is a very complicated and difficult issue to bring to the ballot, but from our side it’s easy to frame if it goes to the ballot. Are you going to vote for the guy on the corner who fixes your car or the manufacturers in Detroit who needed a bailout. It will be a no-brainer for voters, so I can see how it’s going to play,” Bradley said.
 
Attention, and lobbying, shifts to House on auto repair issue (bostonherald.com)

#529 of 576 level the playing field? by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Jul 11, 2012 (4:19 pm)

“You bought the car; you ought to be able to get access to information to fix it,” said Art Kinsman, spokesman for the coalition, which predicts that success would lead to ballot measures in other states, where right-to-repair legislation has stalled.
 
Car makers say they plan a robust fight. “Massachusetts is really the battleground right now,” said Dan Gage, spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
 
Dealerships also oppose the ballot measure, fearing that auto makers that find the requirements too onerous might not sell cars in the state. The dealers also are looking to protect their own repair businesses, which have become “vital” revenue generators, said John Giamalvo, an analyst with Edmunds.com."
 
Massachusetts Is ‘Right to Repair’ Battleground (Wall St. Journal)

#530 of 576 Re: level the playing field? [steve_] by hpmctorque

Jul 12, 2012 (5:24 pm)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Jul 11, 2012 4:19 pm)
I believe that the consumers' choices should prevail. Not the manufacturer, not the dealer, but the consumer should be the first priority. Since greater competition benefits the consumer, independent garages should have ready access to repair equipment, tools and manuals, at competitive prices.

#531 of 576 Re: level the playing field? [hpmctorque] by thecardoc3

Jul 21, 2012 (12:37 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Jul 12, 2012 5:24 pm)
OK, the log-in thing is finally fixed!.
 
The consumers are of course very important but how does R2R address their needs? In fact if we are to believe everything that has been written some want to try and suggest that all some shops need is "the tool" and "the software" and they will be 100% ready to serve the customer at the cheapest price possible. The reality is, the tools and software are already available but in some cases cost prohibitive. Let's envision that they can make the tools cheaper overnight, what about the training and product knowledge that is required to have the technicians be proficient in it's use? Is someone legislating that will also be available, and that the techs would even attend it if it was?
 
Top shops who have been looking out for the consumer have been investing all along in every aspect of this. (tools, training, software) No we can't work on all makes and models any more and legislation can't fix that. As a consumer you have to recognize you have every right to own a Merceds, or BMW if you can afford to. Affording to in many cases likely means you'll need to adress certain vehicle needs at the dealership. If you really don't like that then you need to buy a vehicle that your local shop can justify supporting. You see? You do have a choice here.
 
BTW did you recheck the article Steve linked? That sure fell apart fast when some knowlegable people chimed in.

#532 of 576 Re: level the playing field? [thecardoc3] by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Jul 21, 2012 (1:49 pm)

Replying to: thecardoc3 (Jul 21, 2012 12:37 pm)
OK, the log-in thing is finally fixed!.
 
Don't jinx it.
 
Did you recruit some of your business friends to comment at the WSJ?
 
Looks like it's still headed for the ballot in Massachusetts with the Right to Repair Coalition's poll numbers running 80% in favor. Of course, the people polled haven't read this thread and don't know the arguments against the proposal.
 
Coalition rallies to support ballot question governing auto repair rights (Wicked Local Somerset)

#533 of 576 not just a Massachusetts issue by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Oct 08, 2012 (9:11 am)

"France's antitrust authority fired a warning shot at auto makers on Monday accusing them of partly offsetting losses on car manufacturing with their alleged control of the auto-repair market, the latest in series of rulings and reports from the regulator that have rankled some French businesses.
 
The regulator, Autorité de la Concurrence, recommended the government deregulate the market for car repair parts to make it easier for independent mechanics to service cars. It also warned auto makers that it will probe and sanction specific anticompetitive behavior in the future.
 
The authority also asked car makers to provide independent mechanics with all the information needed to repair a car."
 
French Watchdog Targets Car-Repair Costs (WSJ)

#534 of 576 it's law but still on the ballot by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Oct 16, 2012 (7:30 am)

Right to Repair is Now Law (MSNBC)
 
"The Tire Industry Association applauds the passage of the Right to Repair law in Massachusetts and strongly urges Congress to pass a comparable federal law to ensure that all American car owners and their trusted repair shops have the same access to safety alerts and repair information as the franchised new car dealer network."
 
Congress should pass right to repair law (somdnews.com)

#535 of 576 Re: it's law but still on the ballot [steve_] by hpmctorque

Oct 16, 2012 (7:38 am)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Oct 16, 2012 7:30 am)
I hope congress passes that law. It'll level the playing field for independent shops and consumers.

#536 of 576 Re: it's law but still on the ballot [hpmctorque] by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Oct 16, 2012 (7:43 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Oct 16, 2012 7:38 am)
I'm curious about the unintended consequences.

#537 of 576 Re: it's law but still on the ballot [steve_] by hpmctorque

Oct 16, 2012 (8:03 am)

Replying to: Stever@Edmunds (Oct 16, 2012 7:43 am)
Well, you raise a good point, Steve. It's a multifaceted issue, so I'd be surprised if there weren't some drawbacks that aren't obvious, but my perception is that the tradeoffs would be net positive. It would spur competition, which generally improves value to the consumer.

Messages Page 54 of 58

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