Why It Matters
Independent repair shops face a crisis as manufacturers restrict access to vehicle data, forcing consumers toward expensive dealership service and locking shops out of the growing electric vehicle repair market. With bipartisan congressional support for REPAIR Act, the Automotive Service Association is lobbying to capitalize on unprecedented momentum for federal legislation that could reshape market competition in.
By the Numbers
The Automotive Service Association paid $100,000 in fourth quarter 2025 to lobbyist Robert Lee Redding Jr. for federal advocacy efforts. Redding has represented the ASA since 2003, accumulating $7.85 million in total fees over two decades.
The final quarter 2025 filing mirrors previous advocacy strategy, with identical lobbying priorities to final quarter 2024: vehicle data access, safety inspection, electric vehicle policy, autonomous vehicles, the REPAIR Act, and technician training.
The Agenda
The ASA’s primary focus centers on the REPAIR Act (H.R.1566 / S.1379), which would require manufacturers to provide independent repair shops direct access to vehicle data, tools, and service information. The group’s advocacy aligns with congressional momentum on right-to-repair legislation, supported by Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), while facing opposition from manufacturers like Hyundai.
Broader Context
The REPAIR Act has attracted support from champions emphasizing consumer ownership rights and affordability. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held hearings examining vehicle safety and consumer choice. 62 firms representing 45 organizations are actively engaged on the legislation.
The ASA allies with LKQ Corp.—which spent $460,000 in fourth quarter 2025—and Liberty Mutual Group Inc., both seeking competitive repair markets. However, manufacturers like Hyundai Motor America are mounting opposition, spending $600,000 in a single quarter citing cybersecurity and safety concerns.
Between The Lines
Congress is advancing legislation directly aligned with ASA priorities. The House Energy and Commerce Committee examined the REPAIR Act’s core tenets in January 2026, with witnesses discussing consumer choice and diagnostic access needs. Key supporters include Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3), a former auto-repair shop owner.
Competitive Landscape
The ASA operates within a coalition pushing right-to-repair legislation against substantial manufacturer opposition. LKQ Corp., a major aftermarket parts distributor, spent $460,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025 lobbying on the issue. Liberty Mutual Group has specifically lobbied on H.R. 1566, with insurers seeking competitive repair markets to control costs.
The opposition includes Hyundai Motor America, which spent $600,000 lobbying against the REPAIR Act. Manufacturers argue data restrictions protect vehicle safety and cybersecurity, though supporters counter the legislation preserves existing protections.
The Bottom Line
The Automotive Service Association is pressing Congress on vehicle data access during a pivotal industry moment. The trade group’s efforts align with bipartisan legislative momentum, though they face substantial manufacturer opposition. The outcome will determine whether independent shops retain access to modern vehicle repair data or lose competitive ground to dealerships.
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