Auto Care Association Welcomes Collaboration with Incoming Trump Administration

BETHESDA, Md. - November 13, 2024 - The Auto Care Association today announced its commitment to collaboration with the next presidential administration on a variety of critical issues impacting the auto care industry and the American people. As the auto care sector continues to play a vital role in the United States economy, employing nearly five million American workers, the Auto Care Association is committed to working with federal leaders within the incoming Trump administration to advance policies that promote innovation, ensure consumer choice, and strengthen the skilled automotive workforce.

In particular, the Auto Care Association is focused on three key areas where it believes immediate attention and thoughtful collaboration can bring about meaningful progress:

Right to Repair

The Auto Care Association stands firm in its commitment to ensuring that vehicle owners and independent repair shops have the right to access critical repair information needed to maintain and repair vehicles. As modern vehicles become more complex, the availability of repair data is essential to preserving consumer choice and promoting fair competition. With widespread support among American voters across the country, the association looks forward to engaging with the new administration to support bipartisan legislative and regulatory initiatives that protect the right to repair and maintain a competitive, transparent marketplace.

Free Trade and Tariffs

The United States automotive aftermarket, a nearly $500 billion industry, relies on a robust, global supply chain, and the Auto Care Association is dedicated to working with the new administration to ensure that it prioritizes free trade policies and tariff regulations that will foster economic growth, create jobs, and keep prices competitive. By advocating for fair trade practices and the reduction of tariffs on automotive imports, the Auto Care Association believes it can help lower costs for consumers and repair shops alike while preserving the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and suppliers.

Promoting Trade Schools and Addressing the Shortage of Vehicle Technicians

The shortage of skilled vehicle technicians remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the auto care industry. The Auto Care Association is committed to supporting initiatives that will increase the number of trained and qualified technicians, including the promotion of vocational and trade school programs. With the automotive repair sector poised to grow in the coming years, a steady pipeline of talent is essential to meeting demand. The association looks forward to working with the administration to promote trade education and ensure that young people have the skills they need to succeed in the modern automotive workforce.

"The auto care industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, and we look forward to working with the Trump administration to address these critical issues," said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. "By working together, we can ensure that the more than 286 million American vehicle owners continue to have access to affordable repair options, foster a competitive marketplace, and build a skilled workforce that will support the industry for generations to come."

Learn more about the Auto Care Association's government affairs initiatives at autocare.org/government-relations.