OBD II Lockout Legislation Goes National
Santa Monica Raises the Minimum Wage to $12.25 an Hour
Penske Auto Centers Extends Partnership with Snap-On Tools

OBD II LOCKOUT LEGISLATION GOES NATIONAL

After the aftermarket’s success against OBD II lockout in California, aftermarket leaders are looking to get similar legislation passed on a national level.

In August, U.S. Representatives Joe Barton (R-TX) and Edolphus Towns (D-NY) introduced HR 2735, "The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act.’’

"For the first time since the invention of the automobile, motorists will have legislation introduced, and eventually passed, to protect them from the ills of monopoly car parts and repair prices,’’ predicted CARE president David Parde.

The Barton-Towns bill echoes California’s SB 1146, which requires that automakers give independent auto repair shops information on how to access the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems built into new cars.

Parde claimed that in 1996, when Congress passed legislation requiring OBD systems, "Congress had the foresight to mandate that anyone who works on vehicles or vehicle engines have access to the OBD system. Rather than abide by Congress’ wishes, the car manufacturers took advantage of these regulations and instead ’locked-out’ the independent repair industry. As the vehicles have advanced, so have the computer systems on the vehicles, making it extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to get all of the necessary information to repair these cars in a quick and safe manner. "

"It’s unconscionable for the car manufacturers to place profits over safety by denying car owners access to all of the information vital to the safe operation of their vehicles," added Parde. "Motorists should not be forced to drive a great distance in a ’problematic’ vehicle, thus forcing them to jeopardize their safety and the safety of others."

A recent national poll of 803 registered voters reveals that 92 percent stated that they would support a national bill in Congress that would assure the availability of the repair and parts information to all involved in the repair of the vehicle. In addition, 72 percent of the respondents said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate for Congress if the candidate supported this national bill.

"The Barton-Towns bill simply allows motorists to own the information contained in their own vehicle, making motorists -- and not the car manufacturers -- the ultimate decision maker on where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired and to choose the vehicle parts of their choice," concluded Parde.

The bill has been actively supported by the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), a national organization representing companies in the automotive aftermarket including: NAPA, Midas, Carquest, AutoZone, Advance Auto, Jiffy Lube, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, CSK Automotive, and Discount Auto Parts.

SANTA MONICA RAISES THE MININUM WAGE TO $12.25 AN HOUR

Over protests of local businesses, the Santa Monica City Council has passed a new law raising the minimum wage to $12.25 an hour.

According to the law, businesses in the city that bring in at least $5 million in revenue annually will be subject to the new minimum wage rate. If the employer provides a certain level of health benefits, the required minimum wage drops to $10.50 an hour. California’s minimum wage is currently $6.25 per hour.

"We think it’s unfair," said Attorney Tom Larmore, who is on the board of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. He predicted that it will "have a very severe impact on a lot of restaurants and retailers that can’t possibly absorb the increased costs."

The new minimum wage is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2002.

PENSKE AUTO CENTERS EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH SNAP-ON TOOLS

Penske Auto Centers and Snap-on Incorporated have extended their supply and equipment partnership by an additional five years.

As part of the agreement, Penske Auto Centers will upgrade its existing wheel service equipment with John Bean V3D alignment systems, developed and patented by Snap-on.

Also included in the agreement are the John Bean Virtual Plane Imaging System II wheel balancers and Enhanced High Performance tire changers.

"Snap-on and John Bean are excited to be a part of Penske’s service strategy," said Dale Elliott, Snap-on president and CEO. "The agreement illustrates Snap-on’s ability to provide the full range of productivity-enhancing equipment, information and services that our customers need and want."

Originally published in the December 2001/January 2002 issue of Automotive Booster Magazine.
Copyright 2001 by KAL Publications Inc.