FTC revs up 'right to repair' fight with Harley-Davidson agreement
Source: Reuters
Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG.N) and a Westinghouse generator maker have agreed to drop some restrictions on who repairs their products, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday.
The agency voted last year to make it a priority to push manufacturers to stop requiring consumers to use licensed dealers to repair items ranging from smartphones to farm equipment. Critics say the practice raises prices for consumers and shuts out independent repair shops.
The FTC said in its complaint against Harley-Davidson, which was released at the same time as the consent agreement, that it had objected to language used by the motorcycle maker such as "the use of parts and service procedures other than Harley-Davidson approved parts and service procedures may void the limited warranty."
Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson agreed that it would not void warranties because the buyer used third-party parts or unauthorized service centers.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ftc-revs-up-right-repair-fight-with-harley-davidson-agreement-2022-06-23/
President Biden signed an executive order last year aimed at promoting competitiveness in the economy which included "right to repair".
