US Senators have criticized major automakers for opposing the right-to-repair movement. They argue that automakers are undermining consumer rights by restricting access to vehicle data and repair information, which slows down repairs and increases costs. Currently, 70% of car parts and services are sourced from independent outlets, known for their trustworthiness and value. In contrast, nearly all dealerships receive the worst possible rating for price. The Senators highlight that automakers claim sharing vehicle data poses cybersecurity risks, yet they sell consumer data themselves. With over one in five automotive recalls now fixed with software patches, the right-to-repair issue has shifted towards digital access to diagnostics, firmware, and connected services. This trend is expected to grow as more vehicles become software-defined.
Source: arstechnica.com
