Media release
December 2013
MIWA thrilled at Right To Repair legislation in Massachusetts
On 26 November, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation into law ensuring that the commonwealth’s residents will have access to a competitive vehicle repair market.
According to Aftermarketnews AMN, the newly signed legislation was needed in order to reconcile two laws that were on the books in Massachusetts that mandate that car companies provide affordable access to all tools, software and information used to repair late-model computer controlled vehicles.
The first law was the result of an agreement reached between the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition and the vehicle manufacturers that was passed unanimously by the state legislature in late July. The bill was approved by the legislature too late to remove a ballot measure that had been sponsored by the Coalition. That ballot measure was approved in November 2012 by an overwhelming 85-15 percent margin, creating two Right to Repair laws on the books in Massachusetts.
The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) is championing the Right to Repair campaign in South Africa and its Chairman, Les Mc Master, says this victory re-enforces the importance of getting the Right to Repair concept legislated in South Africa.
“It is presently in a submission phase and ultimately by winning this battle we will ensure that consumers have the right to select where their vehicles are serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive prices in a workshop of their choice,” he says.
Along with the aim to give motorists the right of choice, the Campaign aims to protect the rights of the independent operators to maintain, service and repair modern vehicles equipped with multiple electronic control units managed by complex software and multiplex networks.
The Campaign also commits to safeguard independent aftermarket operators’ right to exist, serve and grow. “Only strong, entrepreneurial competition will result in advantageous pricing for consumers and ensure that local businesses can continue to provide quality service in the neighbourhoods they serve and support.”
“Both the current lack of access to information and the stringent framework surrounding warranty, maintenance and service plans, minimises, if not destroys, the consumers right to choose. We believe this imbalance needs to be addressed in South Africa, as it has in other parts of the world, and we call on South Africa’s motorists and repair workshops for support!” he concludes.
Visit www.miwa.co.za for more information on the Right to Repair Campaign.
ENDS
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