Sudden change of EPA regulations will “undermine” gradual investments independent auto repairers have made for EV service
Washington, D.C.—The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has adopted a policy position on vehicle choice in the automotive market that “strongly supports the rights of consumers to purchase vehicles that best fit the needs of themselves, their families, and their businesses.”
The “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles” — a regulation finalized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — will limit consumers’ choice in powertrain, states the association.
ASA warns that “this inorganic transformation in the automobile market will likely subject independent auto repairers to severe hardship.” These businesses have already made investments under the assumption that EVs will gradually become more prevalent. This sudden change to the market undermines those investments.
Now, due to this new rule, “By 2032, repairers will have needed to spend heavily on EV training for technicians, acquire large amounts of new commercial property for safe EV storage, purchase new and costly equipment, and more just to remain in business.” The statement concludes by calling on the federal government to not leave independent auto repairers behind as it imposes this change.
Aaron Clements, Mechanical Director on the ASA Board of Directors and Chairman of the Southern Automotive Service Association (SASA), commended ASA for adopting this position, commenting that, “The automotive repair industry isn’t pro- or anti- EV. We just want to make sure that we can repair the vehicles that our customers bring to us. This statement accurately reflects where our industry stands and allows us to educate lawmakers on our industry’s needs.”
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