Gusciora, Pro-Consumer Groups Come Together in Support of 'Right to Repair Act'

GUSCIORA, PRO-CONSUMER GROUPS COME TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF 'RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT'

Assemblyman's Measure Would Allow NJ Motorists Unprecedented Choice in Car Repair

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Reed Gusciora was joined today by representatives from several good government and consumer advocacy groups at a press conference in support of his legislation that would provide New Jersey drivers with unprecedented choice in the automotive repair marketplace.

The "Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act" (A-803) would give motorists the ability to obtain all information necessary to provide for the diagnosis, service and repair of their vehicles - eliminating the need for a trip to a dealership for routine maintenance and repairs.

Gusciora's (D-Mercer) remarks, as prepared, follow:

"Thank you all for joining us today to discuss this important legislation to defend the rights of consumers.

"New Jersey is a commuter state and people rely on their cars to get them to work, school and their local grocery store.  As we enter the winter driving season in these tough economic times, it's especially critical to ensure consumers are driving safe vehicles that can be repaired and maintained at a reasonable cost.

"That is the goal of this legislation, 'The Motor Vehicle Right to Repair Act.'  Right now, automakers have control over repair information and sometimes refuse to share it with your neighborhood mechanic.  Not only does this hurt the consumer's ability to choose their repair shop, but it also hurts the small, locally owned businesses that cannot practice their trade.

"This legislation seeks to create a level playing field, so the independent repair shop can fairly compete with the automaker's repair shop.  The Right to Repair Act even has provisions in the bill to protect the manufacturer's trade secrets and proprietary information.

"Our goal is to make sure when a driver goes to get his or her car fixed or maintained, they can choose any shop they want knowing that facility has the information to do the job right.

"This initiative is pro-business, pro-consumer and the right path for New Jersey."

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