May 11, 2009 04:30 AM
Tony Van Alphen
Business Reporter
A major showdown looms this week between automakers, independent repair shops and the federal government over the hot button issue of giving Canadian motorists more choice about where they fix their vehicles.
The "right to repair" issue involves a long-running dispute that now pits industry players and the federal government, who both prefer a voluntary solution, against repair shops and consumers who prefer legislation.
Groups representing thousands of repair shops across the country have complained to Ottawa for years about a lack of access to information, tools and training from manufacturers so they can keep pace with technological advances.
They say that has unfairly kept business at manufacturers' dealerships, to the detriment of independent repair shops ranging from Canadian Tire and Mr. Lube stores and local neighbourhood garages.
There are questions whether the voluntary solution in a recent commitment letter by manufacturers and one group of independent retailers will be adequate and give consumers more choice.
Tony Van Alphen
Business Reporter
A major showdown looms this week between automakers, independent repair shops and the federal government over the hot button issue of giving Canadian motorists more choice about where they fix their vehicles.
The "right to repair" issue involves a long-running dispute that now pits industry players and the federal government, who both prefer a voluntary solution, against repair shops and consumers who prefer legislation.
Groups representing thousands of repair shops across the country have complained to Ottawa for years about a lack of access to information, tools and training from manufacturers so they can keep pace with technological advances.
They say that has unfairly kept business at manufacturers' dealerships, to the detriment of independent repair shops ranging from Canadian Tire and Mr. Lube stores and local neighbourhood garages.
There are questions whether the voluntary solution in a recent commitment letter by manufacturers and one group of independent retailers will be adequate and give consumers more choice.
