Autobody News’ Post

The auto repair industry is facing a critical juncture that could impact the 273,000 shops and 900,000 technicians across the United States. According to Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association, federal right-to-repair legislation is crucial for the survival of local repair shops. "Without change, local repair shops will be forced to turn away more and more business, leaving car owners with no choice but to foot outsized bills at the dealership," says Hanvey. The REPAIR Act is essential to protect America's vibrant network of local, independent repair shops, providing trusted service, convenience, and choice to millions of American drivers. As the industry continues to evolve, this legislation is vital for sustaining local businesses and ensuring consumers have access to fair, competitive pricing for their car repair needs. #automotive #repair #dataaccess #vehicles #autobodynews

In case you missed it, CAR Coalition member and President of the Automotive Body Parts Association Mike Dolabi penned an op-ed in The Dallas Morning News urging Congress to pass the REPAIR Act. “The REPAIR Act would ensure that consumers and independent shops alike can access the vehicle data, tools, parts and software needed to repair and maintain modern vehicles." “What’s more, the REPAIR Act would keep prices affordable for car owners by promoting a competitive vehicle-repair landscape. Independent repair shops offer consumers an affordable option for vehicle service compared to dealerships, which can be nearly 40% more expensive on average, while competition from aftermarket alternatives helps drive down OEM parts prices.” Read more on the Right to Repair below: https://lnkd.in/et4A-SUY

According to a recent nationwide survey of independent repair shops, the top concern for repairers is vehicle data access, with 84% of respondents citing it as their primary issue. This challenge surpassed technician recruitment and inflation as the most pressing concern. This finding highlights the growing importance of data access in the automotive repair industry, as it directly impacts the ability of shops to diagnose and repair vehicles efficiently and accurately. As vehicle technology continues to evolve, addressing this concern will be crucial for the long-term success of independent repair shops. #automotive #repair #dataaccess #vehicles #autobodynews

🚗💭 Vehicle data access emerges as the top concern for independent repair shops, with 84% of respondents flagging it as their primary issue. This pivotal challenge has overtaken technician recruitment and inflation in the industry. 🛠️ The survey underscores the critical role of data access in automotive repair, influencing shops' efficiency and accuracy in diagnosing and fixing vehicles. With vehicle technology advancing, addressing this concern is key for the sustained success of independent repair shops. #AutomotiveRepair #DataAccess #IndustryInsights 🚘🔧

The growing trend of vehicle data restrictions is creating challenges for small independent repair businesses. According to a recent survey by the Auto Care Association, these restrictions limit the ability of independent repair shops to offer certain services and parts to customers. This can leave car owners with no other option than to seek repairs at dealerships, a concerning development given consumers' preference for independent shops over dealerships as highlighted by separate research from Consumer Reports. This issue has garnered bipartisan attention in Congress, with the REPAIR Act advancing out of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) also recently released a report outlining how vehicle repair restrictions can "disadvantage" independent repairers relative to dealerships. The survey involved 407 individuals from the independent auto repair sector and provides valuable insight into the ongoing challenges faced by these businesses. We must continue to advocate for policies that support a fair and open market for vehicle repairs, ensuring both independent shops and consumers have access to the services they need. #IndependentRepairShops #REPAIRAct #AutobodyNews

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬: 𝐀 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬. Each year, millions of used cars are sold without addressing critical safety recalls, posing severe risks to new owners and others on the road. 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡: Senators Blumenthal, Markey, & Warren have introduced the "Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act", aiming to close loopholes and enhance consumer protection by mandating the repair of any safety recalls before these vehicles are sold. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 •Recall Practices: How do you currently handle recalls in your inventory? Do you fix them, disclose them, or have a different approach? •Customer Follow-Up: When recalls are disclosed, do customers proceed with the repairs? What has been your experience? •Impact on Business: How might this legislation affect your operations, costs, and customer relationships? •Legislation Support: Do you support this bill? What changes, if any, would you suggest? Your insights are vital! Share your experiences and opinions to help shape future regulations that are both effective and manageable. https://lnkd.in/gvF6qsmS Ryan Maher, Lucas Oliveira, Hunter Swift, Loren Stewart, Michael Murray, Iain Bridges, Daniel B. Mule' #recalls #vehiclerecall #vehiclerecalls #nthsa #usedcars #fixedops #autonews #nada #bizzycar #senate

According to a new nationwide survey of repair shops, 84% of independent repair shops view vehicle repair and maintenance data access as the top issue for their business, surpassing other considerations like inflation as well as technician recruitment and retention. Additionally, 63% of independent repair shops surveyed said they experience difficulties making routine repairs on a daily or weekly basis, and 51% of independent repair shops reported sending as many as five vehicles per month to dealers because of vehicle data restrictions. Hanover Research conducted the survey between Feb. 1 and Feb. 14, contacting 407 people who work at independent auto repair shops. The study has a margin of error of 5%. According to the Auto Care Association, on whose behalf the survey was conducted, vehicle data limitations cost independent repair shops an estimated $3.10 billion each year. “This research sheds new light on the stark reality facing the 273,000 shops and 900,000 technicians in in the United States if Congress fails to take action on federal ‘Right to Repair’ legislation,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “Without change, local repair shops will be forced to turn away more and more business, leaving car owners with no choice but to foot outsized bills at the dealership. “The REPAIR Act is critically needed to protect America’s vibrant network of local, independent repair shops that offer trusted service, convenience and choice to millions of American drivers during the car repair process.” #righttorepair #aftermarket #autocare

The increased level of agency agreements was highlighted as a future challenge by 22% of used car retailers in September, but now the figure has risen to 42%. While the reason for this leap is unclear, it could indicate manufacturer attempts to try and manage vehicles in the used market for a longer period of time. #usedcarmarket #vehiclesales #agencymodel

Great article from Consumer Reports comparing independent repair shops, dealerships, and chain auto repair centers. In their survey of over 10,000 CR members, independent auto shops and Goodyear service centers ranked highest in overall satisfaction score! https://lnkd.in/evbZBz4g

Did you know that independent workshops now handle a whopping 60% of vehicle repairs in Australia? 🛠   Three years on, the "Right to Repair" legislation has empowered consumers with more choice and trust in their service providers. It’s clear that consumers are voting with their wallets—and the competition is heating up. So, what does this mean for motor dealers?🚗 As Terry Kokkinos and Andy Hur explore in their latest #mkinsight, the question isn’t if they’ll adapt, but how quickly.   Find out how new vehicle brands are complying with the Scheme and what steps dealers should consider to remain competitive here: https://lnkd.in/gzWK-MQP   #motordealers #righttorepair #commerciallaw #macphersonkelley