Consumers to Automakers: We Want the Right to Repair Our Vehicles
By Camille Sheehan
Massachusetts Residents Vote 鈥榊es鈥� on Direct Access to In-Vehicle Data
BETHESDA, Md. 鈥� November 3, 2020 鈥� Election Day in the United States proved to be a moment of victory for the auto care industry. Today, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly voiced their support at the ballot box for Ballot Question 1, which will preserve their right as vehicle owners to have access to and control of their vehicle鈥檚 mechanical data necessary for service and repair at the shops of their choice.
鈥淭he 世博体育 is extremely pleased that Massachusetts voters have overwhelmingly supported passage of Question 1 on this year鈥檚 ballot,鈥� said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, 世博体育 Association. 鈥淎pproval of Question 1 ensures that car owners can control the mechanical data that is being transmitted by their vehicle through telematics.鈥疶his referendum also means that despite advances in technology, owners will be able to have their repair data shared directly with their trusted independent shops. Not only is this a clear win for the Right to Repair Coalition that is comprised of thousands of shops throughout the state, it is also a victory for the car owners of the commonwealth who saw through the scare tactics from the manufacturers. The people of Massachusetts have decidedly favored competition in auto repair. Furthermore, we are greatly appreciative of each and every aftermarket company around the country that stepped up in support of this important campaign.鈥�
鈥淲hile this was a hard fought campaign over many months, it is now our hope that the manufacturers will receive the strong message from consumers for control of their mechanical data and that they will now work toward implementation of Question 1,鈥� said Aaron Lowe, senior vice president, government and regulatory affairs, 世博体育.鈥�淭he 世博体育 Association has worked with cyber security experts to ensure that in-vehicle data can be securely made available to car owners and independent shops. We stand ready to provide the manufacturers with any technical assistance necessary for effective and timely implementation of this referendum."
For more information visit . For questions, contact Aaron Lowe, senior vice president, regulatory and government affairs, at aaron.lowe@autocare.org.