Editor's note: To read the latest developments on the Right to Repair issue click here.
This fight has been going on for as long as I can remember. Essentially, the "Right to Repair" movement advocates for consumers to have the ability to repair their own vehicles by having access to necessary parts, tools, manuals, and software, rather than being forced to rely solely on the manufacturer for repairs. On the other side, the automakers fear potential damage to intellectual property, safety risks from unauthorized repairs, increased costs for manufacturers due to information disclosure, potential for lower quality repairs from non-certified technicians, and concerns that providing detailed repair information could compromise product security and innovation.
At the center of the debate is manufacturers argue that providing detailed repair manuals and schematics to third-party repair shops would expose valuable trade secrets and proprietary information, potentially hindering future innovation and research and development efforts. They also stress that independent repair shops may lack the necessary training and expertise to perform repairs correctly, leading to potentially unsafe or malfunctioning devices, which is a concern I share. I remember well how much training the technicians at my dealership were required to undergo and pass certifications. I fear independent garages and chain repair shops will not do their due diligence, putting safety at risk for drivers.
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