Local Mechanics Join Right to Repair Coalition

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Over 100 local mechanics have joined the Right to Repair coalition to support Question 1 in the upcoming election. If it passes, Question 1 will stop car manufacturers from restricting independent mechanics access to electronic vehicle data. Without this data, in the near future, independent repair shops will not able to repair newer automobiles since more than 90% of cars now transmit real-time repair information electronically.

Voting yes on Question 1 is important for small garage owners like Joe Hubbard, of Benson’s Garage in North Weymouth. “For us, accessing the information we need to service their cars is critical,” said Hubbard. “If the law is not updated, small businesses like ours will be seriously threatened, as will the jobs we provide.”

This is the second time in less than a decade that the big car companies have tried to keep repair data away from independent mechanics. In 2012, Massachusetts residents voted for a Right to Repair by an 86-14% margin. Since then, the car companies have found loopholes to keep data private and force drivers to have their cars repaired at the dealership. These loopholes harm small businesses and consumers alike, which is why so many mechanics have volunteered their time to support Question 1.

“This is about maintaining the spirit of the original law,” said David Flannery, the owner of Dave’s Auto Service in Quincy, who is urging his customers to vote yes. “If dealers are confident in the prices they charge, they shouldn’t be afraid of a little competition, which is in the best interest of consumers.”

Car companies have already pooled $25 million to defeat the Yes on 1 / Right to Repair campaign. That money has been used for frightening commercials that former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis recently labeled, “a dishonest attack by the big automakers.”

Local small businesses support the Right to Repair because everybody wins when there is fair competition. Independent mechanics get to keep their doors open, while customers get competition, consumer choice, and lower prices.

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