On the Dash:

• The right-to-repair debate remains active in Washington and could affect dealership service operations.
• Dealers continue to oppose broader repair-data legislation, citing intellectual property and aftermarket concerns.
• Congress is considering multiple proposals that could expand independent repair shop access to vehicle diagnostic information.

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President Donald Trump met with senior automotive industry leaders this week to discuss the ongoing debate over right-to-repair legislation, which signals renewed attention to a long-running dispute between automakers, dealers and independent repair shops.

During the meeting, Trump spoke with executives from major automakers, dealer representatives, and industry groups. Notable participants included GM CEO Mary Barra, Ford executive Andrew Frick, officials from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno.

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Trump expressed surprise at the industry’s resistance to expanding access to repairs, noting that automakers seem to prefer that consumers not repair their own vehicles.

Congress weighs in

A House committee recently approved legislation to formalize existing industry agreements governing access to vehicle repair information. This legislation would empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce these agreements. Proponents, however, argue that the measure would enhance oversight while maintaining the current frameworks for repair access.

Additionally, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation states that automakers have been providing repair instructions, diagnostic codes, and tools to dealers and independent repair facilities since 2014. They emphasize that roughly 75% of post-warranty repair work is already performed by independent repair shops. Industry leaders argue that existing agreements offer sufficient access while ensuring vehicle cybersecurity and protecting proprietary information.

However, advocates for independent repair and some lawmakers contend that these agreements do not go far enough. Proposed legislation would mandate that automakers provide vehicle owners and independent repair facilities with access to diagnostic, repair, calibration, and recalibration data. Supporters of this expanded access believe it would foster competition and reduce repair costs for consumers.

Dealer concerns remain

Conversely, NADA continues to oppose broader right-to-repair legislation. Dealer advocates argue that increased data-sharing requirements could enable aftermarket manufacturers to reverse-engineer vehicle components and produce competing replacement parts. They also caution that these proposals may give insurance companies more influence over repair decisions and vehicle servicing.