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On Tuesday, a federal judge rejected an opposition by a group representing automotive manufacturers to a Massachusetts voter-approved measure.
The measure brought expanded accessibility to vehicle data and insights, which further allowed independent repair shops to access sophisticated automotive technology, Reuters said.
This ruling by U.S. District Judge Denise Casper in Boston resulted in a loss for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Automotive News said.
Alliance for Automotive Innovation is a trade association that represents General Motors, Volkswagen, Stellantis, and other automakers that have questioned the law, according to Reuters.
They sued following November 2020, as voters approved a ballot measure that revised the state’s “Right to Repair” law that was set in 2013. This law requires automakers to provide greater access to mechanical and electronic repair data, Reuters said.
Significant progress in today's vehicles and collision prevention technologies has led many manufacturers to restrict information and warranties to parts and repairs conducted by authorized dealers, prioritizing safety and privacy.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation contended that the legislation inappropriately compels automakers to weaken cybersecurity protections concerning safety and emissions-critical vehicle operation, According to Automotive News.
The office of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said that the measure permitted automakers to put in place a structure organized by a third party to authorize access to diagnostic systems by independent repair shops, Reuters said.
The case was initially brought to trial in 2021 under a different judge. After waiting four years for a ruling from U.S. District Judge Douglas Woolock, it was reassigned to Judge Casper in January, who acted swiftly to resolve it.
Appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, Casper dismissed the trade group's claims on Tuesday, Reuters said.
She temporarily sealed the ruling to allow both parties time to determine if any portions should be redacted.
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