Senators Criticize Automakers Over Right-to-Repair

U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley, Elizabeth Warren, and Josh Hawley have criticized major automakers for their opposition to right-to-repair laws, which would allow consumers greater access to vehicle data and repair services. They argue that automakers are hypocritical in claiming data sharing with independent repair shops poses cybersecurity risks while profiting from selling consumer data to insurance companies. The Senators highlighted that 70% of car parts come from independent outlets, which provide better pricing and service than franchised dealerships. The letters were sent to the CEOs of major manufacturers, including Ford, GM, and Tesla, urging them to comply with right-to-repair efforts and protect customer privacy. The automakers' resistance is seen as a profit-driven strategy rather than a genuine concern for consumer security. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum as vehicles increasingly become software-defined, raising questions about access to diagnostics and firmware updates.