June 13, 2005 The Honorable Joe Barton Dear Chairman Barton: On behalf of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), I am writing to endorse your bill, H.R. 2048, the “Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act.” This important legislation improves consumer choices and protects the rights of ordinary Americans who enjoy performing maintenance on their own automobiles. The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) represents the nation’s most successful and innovative retailer and supplier companies – the leaders of the retail industry. Retail is the second largest industry in the U.S., representing $3.8 trillion in annual sales and 12 percent of our nation’s workforce. RILA member retailers and suppliers operate 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers throughout every congressional district in every state, as well as internationally. While current automobile technology undoubtedly provides many benefits to consumers, we understand that the inaccessibility of information related to those technologies is preventing car owners from repairing and maintaining their own vehicles. It may also be preventing them from choosing their own auto mechanic or the parts needed to make repairs. Currently, only automobile manufacturers and their dealers – not independent repair shops or owners themselves – have complete access to all of the information that is needed to make repairs and perform maintenance. We believe it is unfair to deny consumers access to information about the products they purchase. In order to make informed decisions, consumers ought to be provided with as much information as possible about the products that they wish to purchase, including information about the proper care and maintenance of automobiles. Several of our retail member companies carry automobile aftermarket products, including AutoZone, Inc., CSK Auto Corporation, and PEP BOYS AUTO. This legislation would directly benefit the millions of customers who shop at those stores every year by improving their ability to perform routine maintenance on their automobiles. In addition, your bill embodies an important principal embraced by the entire RILA membership – that of enhancing consumer choice and expanding consumer access to price competitive merchandise. We look forward to working with you to help pass this important bill, and applaud you for once again introducing it. If you have any questions about this matter, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, |
