U.S. Senators Question Automakers on Resistance to Right to Repair

A group of U.S. senators recently sent a letter to the CEOs of the top auto manufacturers urging them to step down from their opposition to Right to Repair, reports The Verge.

Composed by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Josh Hawley (R-MO), the letter accuses automakers of fighting Right to Repair legislation for profit-driven interests, in an effort to monopolize automotive repair and maintenance.

The senators pointed out that, while automakers frequently cite cybersecurity as the cause for concern for Right to Repair, they themselves have been found to not comply with this. Earlier this year, we shared how General Motors shared customer driving data with insurance companies without clear disclosure.

Additionally, the letter cited a Federal Trade Commission study that found no evidence of independent shops being any more likely to mishandle vehicle data than a dealership.

“As the gatekeepers of vehicle parts, equipment, and data, automobile manufacturers have the power to place restrictions on the necessary tools and information for repairs, particularly as cars increasingly incorporate electronic components,” wrote the senators. “This often leaves car owners with no other option than to have their vehicles serviced by official dealerships, entrenching auto manufacturers’ dominance and eliminating competition from independent repair shops.”