Landmark US R2R ruling prompts calls for telematics reform in Australia

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed a court ruling in the United States upholding the 2020 Right to Repair law in Massachusetts. The law requires automakers to provide independent repairers with access to telematics data – and the AAAA says Australia must follow suit.

AAAA chief executive Stuart Charity said Australia’s Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) provides world-leading access to service and repair data but does not cover telematics.

“Australia has the best Right to Repair legislation in the world, but technology has evolved, and our law must keep pace,” he said.

“Modern vehicles rely on telematics to diagnose and repair faults, yet independent repairers in Australia are locked out of this crucial data. The Massachusetts ruling confirms that telematics access is essential for a fair repair industry. If we don’t act now, Australian consumers and independent workshops will be left behind.”

Telematics access matters because modern vehicles now receive wireless software updates affecting key systems, making real-time access to telematics data essential.

Safety features such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control require accurate calibration.

“These technologies save lives, and independent repairers must have access to the necessary data to service these systems throughout a vehicle’s life,” explained Mr Charity.

Unlike the US, Australia does not need new legislation to close the telematics gap; it just needs an update to MVIS rules, which the AAAA is urging the Australian federal government to act upon quickly.

The AAAA has written to federal minister Andrew Leigh – whose portfolios include competition, charities, treasury and employment – calling for urgent reform to maintain consumer choice in vehicle servicing and repair.

Mr Charity described the legal changes required as “minimal” but that the impact would be “enormous”.

“Australia must ensure MVIS remains fit for purpose.”