***MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE*** Gusciora on the 'Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act'

GUSCIORA ON THE 'MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERS RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT'

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Reed Gusciora today issued a multimedia package on his legislation to create a "Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act," to provide New Jersey motorists with unprecedented choice in the automotive repair marketplace.

The measure (A-803) would require motor vehicle manufacturers to provide vehicle owners, independent garages and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs with the information and computer codes necessary to perform diagnostic checks and routine maintenance.

According to Gusciora (D-Mercer), providing these computer codes would eliminate the need for motorists to rely on car dealerships to perform work that could just as easily be done by the motorist or an independent repair shop.

The multimedia package consists of a video press release on the measure, audio of same and a copy of the script, as delivered.

The video can be accessed directly via our Web site - www.assemblydems.com - or by clicking here.

The audio file is available upon request.

A copy of the script is appended below:

"New Jerseyans rely on our cars for everything - from driving to and from work, to shopping and running weekend errands.

"So it's distressing that when it comes to most late model vehicles, the only place we can take them for maintenance is the dealership.

"Most vehicles built after 1994 have computers that require specific codes to perform even routine maintenance.

"These codes are jealously guarded by manufacturers and can only be accessed through dealerships, which severely limits the service options available to New Jersey drivers.

"It also hurts small, local repair shops because without these codes, they cannot practice their trade.

"To break this monopoly, I've introduced A-803, 'The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act.'

"It would level the playing field, allowing independent repair shops to fairly compete with dealerships and giving New Jerseyans an affordable choice when it comes to having their vehicles serviced.

"For more information about the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act or for help with any other questions you may have, feel free to contact my district office by phone or e-mail."

The measure passed the Assembly in October by a vote of 49-22, with 8 abstentions.  It is currently pending before the Senate Commerce Committee.

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