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Letter to the Editor
Monday October 22
Manufacturers and Independent Repairers Update Senator Dorgan on 5th Anniversary of Service Information Agreement
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently met with Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) to update him on the status of an agreement brokered by him five years ago. At a July 2002 Senate Commerce Committee Hearing, Sen. Dorgan challenged the auto industry to come up with a voluntary solution to a problem that existed with independent repairer access to automobile service, repair and training information. In a letter to Sen. Dorgan, the industry committed to providing the same service, repair and training information to independent repairers as made available to franchised dealers.Dave McCurdy, Alliance CEO, said, “Manufacturers recognize the importance of the independent repair industry and remain committed to ensuring that consumers retain the option of having their vehicles serviced by the repairer of their choice. Automakers thank Senator Dorgan for his leadership on this issue. He challenged the industry to come up with a voluntary solution and we did.”
Today’s automotive engineers are using computers in innovative ways to produce even safer and cleaner vehicles. And while automotive computers monitor and control everything from airbag safety systems and anti-lock brakes to GPS systems, fuel economy and emissions controls, they also require independent repairers to invest in the tools, training and equipment necessary to properly service theses automobiles.
Mike Stanton, AIAM president and CEO, commented, “We believe our customers should be able to seek vehicle repair services wherever reliable and first-rate service is offered. Automakers work very hard to make high-quality cars and trucks, and their reputations could be jeopardized if customers felt they could not go to the service and repair shop of their choosing.”
Approximately 75 percent of all post-warranty repairs are performed by independent repair facilities. This voluntary agreement ensures the continuing viability of the automotive service industry and eliminates the need for current and future legislation.
To help resolve service and repair related issues, independent repairers are encouraged to work through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). NASTF serves as a forum to identify and resolve gaps involving motor vehicle repair information and tools. This national, voluntary solution has proven to be an effective resource for repairers and manufacturers alike, and over the course of the past six years has become a productive forum for dialogue between independent repairers, other industry stakeholders, and automakers, as well as an effective mechanism to help identify and resolve the few information gaps that remain.
Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive, said, “ASA is proud of the progress made for independent repairers relative to service, training, and tool information. The 2002 ASA-Automaker agreement has provided our industry with a model for information that will ensure repairers have the necessary information for the foreseeable future. This model is indicative of the industry’s ability to resolve many important issues in the marketplace without government intervention when the automotive industry works together.”
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