WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden's executive order to promote competition in the U.S. economy ratchets up the pressure on the Federal Trade Commission to take action on "right to repair," an issue that has often pitted automakers against independent repair shops and aftermarket parts retailers.
The order signed this month by the president urges the FTC to issue rules on repair restrictions imposed by all manufacturers, potentially tipping the scale in favor of independent shops and consumers and forcing automakers to settle their grievances on the long, drawn-out battle over access to vehicle repair information and parts.
Biden's directive comes as major automakers continue to challenge a 2020 amendment to Massachusetts' right to repair law in federal court, with a decision by the judge expected in August.