The Association of Global Automakers voiced its displeasure with “Right to Repair” legislation that’s gaining strength in Massachusetts.

What recently drew Global Automakers’ ire is Massachusetts attorney general Martha Coakley certifying all four Right to Repair petitions, permitting this legislation to move forward by way of the state’s public ballot initiative process.

Association president and chief executive officer Michael Stanton maintains that efforts to promote this legislation have failed numerous times at the federal level, in several states and last year in the Massachusetts legislature.

“Right to Repair legislation does not benefit the consumer, as proponents suggest, and has proven unnecessary time and again over the last 20 years,” Stanton contends.

“Access to the same diagnostic repair information auto manufacturers currently provide to their dealers already exists,” he continued. “In addition, this legislation has been opposed by a broad based coalition, including the police, Industries of Massachusetts, Mass Biotech, unions, independent repairers, New England Service Station & Automotive Repair Association (NESSARA) and automobile manufacturers.

“We regret that advocates of the legislation are using the petition process as a last resort for bill passage after so many failed attempts,” Stanton went on to say.

Coalition Cheers Attorney General’s Decision

Conversely, the Right to Repair Coalition applauded the decision by the Massachusetts attorney general. The coalition’s supporters now have until Nov. 23 to get the nearly 70,000 signatures required to secure placement of the question on the 2012 ballot.

Coalition officials believe the proposed Right to Repair law would require automakers to provide directly to consumers the diagnostic and safety information needed to repair their vehicles at the shop of their choice. They contend OEMs currently provide only some of the diagnostic and safety information needed to repair units with independent technicians, limiting consumers’ choices and losing business for neighborhood repair shops.

Jeff McLeod, of Marshfield, Mass., and one of the original signers of the initiative petition approved by the attorney general asked, “If the car manufacturers can continue to manipulate the market by withholding information, then do I really own the car?”

McLeod responded, “Ultimately, if this law doesn’t pass, it’s going to cost me more money as a consumer, even when my car is out-of-warranty, so I can’t wait to vote for this ballot question next year."

The coalition cited industry research that estimates annual savings of $300 to $500 per family when vehicle owners are given the right to choose where their vehicles repaired.

“This $300 to $500 margin of savings can mean the difference for consumers on tight budgets between being forced to choose between groceries and car repairs. This savings can help bring them some financial relief,” coalition officials asserted.

The coalition indicated Massachusetts consumers now are visiting local mechanics or neighborhood parts stores to fill out letters of support and send them to their state legislators.

Officials said more than 50,000 letters already have been submitted and their Facebook page has received more than 8,000 “likes.”

The Right to Repair Coalition includes consumer advocates such as AAA, the American Military Society, seniors’ groups such as RetireSafe, and more than 5,000 independent shops, small businesses and retailers in communities across Massachusetts that employ 32,641.