June 13, 2002

Dear Colleague:

I write to invite you to cosponsor S. 2617, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2002. This legislation would protect the viability of independent service station and repair shops and ensure that consumers will continue to have a choice of automotive service providers.

The 1990 Clean Air Act mandated that vehicle manufacturers install computer systems to monitor emissions in 1994 model year cars and beyond. Today, many vehicle systems are integrated into the car's computer system, making auto repair an increasingly "high tech" business and making access to the computer and the information it contains vital to the ability to perform repairs. At the same time, however, independent repair shops are commonly barred access to the codes and diagnostic tools necessary to repair these newer model cars. The effect is to reduce consumer choice for auto repair services, as well as endanger the livelihood of thousands of small, independent, repair shops across the country.

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act would simply require a manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold in the United States to disclose to the vehicle owner, to a repair facility, and the to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the information necessary to diagnose, service or repair the vehicle. The bill bars the FTC from requiring disclosure of any information entitled to protection as a manufacturer's trade secret.

This legislation is an example of the principle that what is often good for small business is good for consumers. The bill is endorsed by the 44-million member American Automobile Association (AAA) and by the Automotive Service Association, the trade association of automotive service professionals.

I hope to have your support for this legislation. If you would like more information, or would like to cosponsor, please have your staff contact Perry Lange of my office at 4-8448.

Sincerely,


Paul Wellstone
U.S. Senator