RELEASE: Immediate
Contact: Sandy Bass-Cors
800-229-5380/703-519-7555 X 2
www.careauto.org

CONSUMERS NEED THE “AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CLAUSE” ADDED TO CURRENT PATENT LAW

(February 14, 2008.  Alexandria, VA): The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), a national organization representing companies in the automotive aftermarket, joins numerous pro-consumer organizations, among them: The Consumer Federation of America, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Public Citizen, Consumers Union and the Center for Auto Safety, in its request to have motoring consumers have an unfettered and unintimidated choice in repairs and parts.

“At a time of a looming recession and rising gasoline prices, motoring consumers now need, more than ever, affordable, quality vehicle repairs.  One of the ways to bring consumers relief is to have a permanent “Automotive Repair Clause” inserted and accepted into current patent law,” stated Sandy Bass-Cors, CARE Executive Director.

“The car companies have attempted to carve out repair and parts monopolies for decades at the consumers’ expense.  The acceptance of the Automotive Repair Clause will be an economic boost for the economy, as well as allowing consumers to choose the affordable, quality parts they wish to purchase.  It’s basic competition with the free-market working to everyone’s benefit,” stated Bass-Cors.

CARE attended the February 14, 2008, hearing in the Subcommittee On Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, in support of testimony by the Consumer Federation of America.

“Alternative choices in vehicle repairs and parts will allow consumers to benefit from competition in the automobile repair and parts industry, which saves them approximately $1.2 Billion a year,” stated Bass-Cors.  We urge Members of Congress to consider the consumers’ financial needs and freedom to choose by inserting the Automotive Repair Clause,” concluded Bass-Cors.