President Trump signed Executive Order for Right to Fix

[Alan Applegate]

I'll lay a bet that ole John Deere is cheering from his grave. It is about time we got rid of repair subscription services, especially those for accessories like remote start. Shame on those manufacturers who still cling to it.

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[mks]

He issued a memo, not even an executive order which in effect does very little.

I applaud the effort to establish a "right" to fix or have fixed my own vehicle (which one already has the right to do at some risk for warrantied cars). However, some of this effort feels like a bit of a nothing burger (so far).

Politics aside, the "memo" does a poor job of conflating two discrete issues. Its title suggests one thing, but it targets CA (CARB) while not really providing anything for other states (who can pass their own legislation) or the after-market industry (manufacturing, repair shops, etc) who want to (and can already) ignore CA's sizable automotive market. Perhaps the more significant congressional action to follow is the progress of HR 1566, whose scope and purpose is markedly different from the "freedom to fix" memo--which is not law but more in the vein of the concept of a plan to have the EPA "issue guidance," etc.

Per usual, it remains to be seen whether any of this will demonstrably improve things financially, practically, etc., for the everyday driver.

 

[Zig]

I applaud the effort to establish a "right" to fix or have fixed my own vehicle (which one already has the right to do at some risk for warrantied cars). However, some of this effort feels like a bit of a nothing burger (so far).

Politics aside, the "memo" does a poor job of conflating two discrete issues. Its title suggests one thing, but it targets CA (CARB) while not really providing anything for other states (who can pass their own legislation) or the after-market industry (manufacturing, repair shops, etc) who want to (and can already) ignore CA's sizable automotive market. Perhaps the more significant congressional action to follow is the progress of HR 1566, whose scope and purpose is markedly different from the "freedom to fix" memo--which is not law but more in the vein of the concept of a plan to have the EPA "issue guidance," etc.

Per usual, it remains to be seen whether any of this will demonstrably improve things financially, practically, etc., for the everyday driver.

When the punishment is nil (for a repair) how is it enforced?

 

[mks]

When the punishment is nil (for a repair) how is it enforced?

I apologize up front; I'm not sure what this question is asking. If the question is how 1566 will be enforced against manufacturers, the bill refers to enforcement actions the FTC will take (which could include redress of the complainant's concern and additional proscriptions the commission may impose). The bill also provides clauses, perhaps in the interest of fairness, that address relief and enforcement for plaintiffs who have not been subject to direct harm. Do all fed regulatory agencies have teeth (or use them if they do)? I'll just say it depends.

In any case, I'm not an expert. But as a matter of rights as they pertain to individuals, states, and the federal government, I'll bet this bill, which has strong bipartisan support, is tricky territory for legislators in light of the lobby they are up against. I've not followed the news on this bill (still in subcommittee), but I'll bet companies like Ford are not fans. To them, I'll bet they believe it infringes on some pretty sacred territory.

And, I'll just apologize again if I've missed the intent of your question--which I am not likely to qualified to answer.

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