The Automotive Service Association (ASA) strongly supports the rights of consumers to
purchase vehicles that best fit the needs of themselves, their families, and their
businesses. We are concerned that the “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model
Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles” – regulation finalized by
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – will limit consumer’s choice
in powertrain. The federal government should either make changes to the regulation or
support independent auto repairers through the EV transition.
By the EPA’s own estimates, Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles will
comprise 67 percent of all new car sales in the country by 2032 due to this regulation.
Currently, such vehicles comprise roughly 10 percent of all new vehicle sales in the U.S.
This inorganic transformation in the automobile market will likely subject independent
auto repairers to severe hardship. Auto repairers depend on a steady market to make
decisions that allow them to provide the best possible repair service, meet their
obligations to their employees, and remain profitable. These businesses have made
investments under the assumption that EVs will gradually become more prevalent, but
the significant investments that are needed to accommodate a vehicle market suddenly
flooded with EVs is not feasible.
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 if the rule remains intact. No
one benefits when people can’t get their vehicle properly fixed. ASA calls on the federal
government not to leave independent auto repairers behind in this transition.
Aaron Clements
Chairman, SASA
Mechanical Director, ASA Board of Directors
About SASA: The Southern Automotive Service Association (SASA) works with the
Automotive Service Association (ASA) to uphold and propagate industry values. Focusing its efforts
on servicing the Southeastern states, SASA’s mission revolves around three core pillars:
championing the industry, connecting industry stakeholders, and promoting a culture of excellence., providing independent automotive business with the tools they need to be successful!
