Local Mechanic Voices Support for Right to Repair Act

A customer sitting in the small office of Larry Ng's Auto Repair on Worcester Street, awaiting word about the status of his vehicle's repair, has three reading choices: The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal or USA Today. No outdated People magazine here – just a trio of the nation's leading newspapers.

So it's no surprise that Ng, who owns two repair shops in Wellesley, speaks intelligently about current affairs, especially when the affair is the state's Right to Repair bill, which died in the House of Representatives at the end of last month.

"I think manufacturers should have to share their repair codes because it's best for the consumer," Ng said. "The consumer should have a choice, should be able to shop for the best price."

The proposed act would have forced automakers to provide independent mechanics, like Ng, the same diagnostic codes given to dealerships. Such a law would have fostered competition and driven down repair prices, or at least allowed car owners more choices about whom they trust to fix their vehicles, according to proponents.

Opponents, especially those in the car manufacturing industry, argued the bill would compromise carmakers' intellectual property, allowing independent manufacturers to replicate original car parts at below-market prices.

"This bill was always about auto parts, not repairs," the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the New England Service Station and Automotive Repair Association said in a joint statement. "That was the reason all sides of the auto industry – independent repairers, dealers and manufacturers – were joined in their opposition to the bill by public safety groups, labor unions and business organizations."

The state Senate passed a version of the Right to Repair bill in the spring, but the House took no action before its session ended July 31.

"I think lawmakers spent all their time debating casinos," Ng said, a sentiment also expressed by Right to Repair Coalition spokesman Art Kinsman.

Kinsman has also said he believes the bill would have passed, had it gone to vote, and the coalition plans to resurrect the proposed legislation next year.

"I hope they do [raise it again]," Ng said. "It hasn't really hurt me – I have lots of business. But I think it's what's best for the consumer."