Right-to-repair backers just after a data grab

TO THE EDITOR:

Automakers are talking about right-to-repair, too ("One Thing We're Talking About: National right-to-repair legislation reintroduced," autonews.com, Feb. 16).

In fact, we've been talking about it since 2014, when automakers and the independent repair community struck a national agreement (still in place and working just fine) that guarantees repairers the same repair information provided to auto dealers. That's why we oppose the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act, known as the REPAIR Act. It's entirely unnecessary. Seventy percent of post-warranty vehicle repairs happen at independent repair businesses. Automotive right-to-repair already exists.

Question: Why are "influential automotive aftermarket and repair industry representatives" like the Auto Care Association for the REPAIR Act and similar efforts in the states?

Answer: Because they want (and would get if these efforts passed) unfettered access to a treasure trove of private telematics data for their own sales and marketing purposes. (Ads on your in-vehicle computer, anyone?) That data isn't needed to repair the vehicle. It's just a data grab that can be monetized by national retailers masquerading as consumer protection and small business support.

JOHN BOZZELLA, CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Washington