White Paper: Protecting the Consumer Patent Law Right of Repair and the Aftermarket for Exterior Motor Vehicle Repair Parts: The SMART Act, H.R. 1879, 117th Congress

Dear [car_representative],

I am writing today to urge you to prioritize legislation that protects the rights of consumers in the maintenance and post-collision auto repair market. When a vehicle needs to be serviced or is damaged, the repair process is personal for the owner. It can also be overwhelmingly expensive. This is why it is so important that consumers have options when it comes to vehicle maintenance and repair. The auto manufacturers should not dictate how, when, or where a vehicle is repaired –the vehicle owner should. In today’s advanced world, the how, when, and where comes in the form of data. What’s more, vehicle owners should be in control of any data their vehicle produces. This will ensure they have the ability to take their vehicle to the repair shop of their choice and not be limited to manufacturer-only repairs. The CAR Coalition, which is made up of independent parts and repair companies, insurers, and associations, has been leading the discussion on this important issue. The CAR Coalition has put forward four key principles to guide any legislative effort. The principles are: safety first, empower consumer choices, foster industry competition, and keep consumer costs low. Any legislation drafted by Congress should consider these principles and apply them as a basic standard test. It is paramount that legislation on this issue put consumers ahead of corporations and expand, not limit, choices for vehicle owners.

Thank you for your attention and support for consumers.

Sincerely, [car_signature]