TO THE EDITOR:
Siri, define “monopoly.”
One hardly knows where to start fact-checking Nathan Proctor’s “Connected cars raise security concerns, but repair isn’t one of them” (autonews.com, June 7), but I’ll try.
He claims opposition to the REPAIR Act is based on some fantasy auto repair “monopoly” or that independent repairers aren’t trustworthy. “Sketchy,” he says.
Really? What kind of a monopoly provides independent repairers the same vehicle repair information provided to auto dealers? What kind of monopoly develops OEM1Stop, a website for repair techs to access that information? What kind of monopoly signs a nationwide agreement (10 years ago) to guarantee that access? Answer: no monopoly at all. Remember, 70 percent of post-warranty auto work is handled by the independent repair community.
The privacy claims are equally off-base. I’ll say this: Data in the wrong hands or without proper cybersecurity is a threat to privacy and safety. Automakers follow a code of conduct that prohibits the sharing of sensitive vehicle data (like your location) without consent.
Who hasn’t taken that pledge? The big-box, national auto parts retailers backing the REPAIR Act who would have access to all your driving data, if Mr. Proctor got his way.
JOHN BOZZELLA, CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Washington