According to industry association MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, the recent release of an agreement between the Automotive Service Association, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and Alliance for Automotive Innovation falls short on critical details even as it highlights crucial elements in the fight for consumer choice and a fair market in automotive repair access.

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, is the leading trade association in North America for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers.

MEMA says the agreement demonstrates that stakeholders can and should collaborate to find a solution that is in the best interests of the motoring public and the marketplace.

It also highlights that the agreements currently in place fall short of protecting the future of repair access.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers supports progress toward a solution to repair access, and the association says it sees this agreement as a step in the right direction to ensure that consumers are protected.

However, the new agreement falls short of all the protections necessary to ensure consumer choice now and into the future for all parties, not only signatories of the pact.

In a statement, MEMA spokespersons said, “As a transportation industry, we believe that we have one opportunity to pass federal legislation and that legislation must include the ability to prioritize and protect consumers’ access to both light duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair and maintenance through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come.

“That legislation must include:  

• All vehicles in operation, light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty 
• Access to telematics and diagnostics data beyond that available just through the OBDII port 
• An enforcement mechanism 
• The ability for independent repair shops, using bi-directional communication, to update vehicles and parts to the latest software. 
• Addressing the risk of repair monopolies 
• Language to protect consumers’ access to both light duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair, maintenance, and parts of their choosing through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come.

“The agreement does advance the conversation around right to repair and consumer choice, but if automakers and repair shops are prioritized over consumers, fair competition and a free market would not be realized. As a key stakeholder in protecting consumers’ rights and an essential part of the value chain, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers must be a part of the conversation.

“MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers welcomes the opportunity to work with all parties to align on a federal solution that reflects the principles of consumer choice and a free market, includes the expertise of the supplier community, has a mechanism for real enforcement, and prioritizes consumers, their safety, and their economy – and the innovative industry we serve.

“The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (H.R. 906) addresses these needs, and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers continues to support this billthat addresses the above concerns and creates a repair ecosystem that puts consumers at the center.

About MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 907,000 American jobs in all 50 states. MEMA Aftermarket is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members across all areas of the aftermarket including light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing.

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, is the leading trade association in North America for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations. MEMA has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Members supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society’s transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability.

 MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at mema.org/aftermarket-suppliers.