Those of us who want to repair upgrade and repair their automobiles with replacement products they choose will be happy to know the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection approved HR 2048, the "Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2005".
The Act says, vehicle owners in the U.S. should have the right -- "to all information necessary to allow the diagnosis, service and repair of their vehicles; to choose between original parts and aftermarket parts when repairing their motor vehicles; and to make, or have made, repairs necessary to keep their vehicles in reasonably good and serviceable condition during the life of the vehicle." HR 2048 is written to prevent vehicle manufacturers from restricting access to the information vehicle owners need in order to diagnose, service and repair their vehicles.
The Consumer Electronics Association said "we congratulate the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection on today's action to promote greater consumer choice, lower prices and increased innovation. Americans should have the right to choose which new technologies are used in their vehicle, as well as the right to choose who installs these products. This bill will finally allow independent dealers and mobile electronics manufacturers to compete with car companies and their franchised dealer networks."
Consumer electronics manufacturers planning to offer mobile TV systems should also benefit from the Act. Do you feel a similar Act is needed to give experienced consumers the information they need to repair their computers, TV sets and other electronic equipment? Send an e-mail to dlung@transmitter.com and let me know.
