Trump claims automakers want limits on vehicle repair access after White House meeting. Ford confirms repair access was discussed, but declined to detail the conversation. Right-to-repair fight centers on vehicle data, cybersecurity, and independent shop access. President Donald Trump just inserted himself into the long-running right-to-repair debate. He claims that auto industry leaders told him they want legislation that would prevent people from fixing their own vehicles. This appears to be at least the second time that Trump has openly advocated for the right-to-repair cause. Read: John Deere Fought Right-To-Repair For Years, Then Wrote A $99 Million Check Speaking during an Oval Office event on June 4, Trump recounted a meeting with executives from Ford, GM, and businessman Roger Penske. According to the US president, automakers are backing a proposal that would effectively stop consumers from repairing their own cars. “They don’t want people to fix their car,” Trump said. “They want a bill that prohibits people from fixing” vehicles. Ford CEO Jim Farley has openly said that he doesn’t want owners doing warranty repair work because it would put people’s lives at risk. What The Fight Is Actually About Importantly, this isn’t really about warranty work, though. This debate is centered around how modern automobiles are increasingly hard to work on, thanks to the way automakers use onboard diagnostics and computers. While independent repair shops and consumer advocates argue vehicle owners should have broader access to the software, data, and tools needed to diagnose and repair their cars, automakers and dealers have pushed back, citing concerns about cybersecurity, safety, and protecting proprietary technology. Chevrolet The result is a years-long fight over who should control access to the digital systems that now govern everything from engine performance to advanced driver assistance features. Ford confirmed to The Detroit Free Press that Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e, attended the June 3 White House meeting and said vehicle repair issues were discussed. However, the automaker declined to comment further. GM also declined to address Trump’s remarks directly. Trump didn’t identify which specific bill he was referencing, and the White House has not clarified the comment. He also mentioned a man supposedly receiving a seven-year prison sentence for repairing his own vehicle. It’s unclear exactly who he’s referring to. A Familiar Position Trump’s comments about automakers wanting to restrict vehicle repairs are consistent with positions he has recently taken on agricultural equipment. Earlier this year, his administration backed farmers’ right to repair tractors and other equipment, arguing manufacturers should not use federal regulations to limit access to repair tools and software. Whether or not his call-out of execs at Ford and GM ends up making a dent is something we’ll have to wait to see. Ford
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