Critics of Oregon Right to Repair say all the information to repair vehicles is already available and can be obtained through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF).

However, Charlie Gorman, a former chair of NASTF, says it “is not a repair information source, nor is it a clearinghouse.” In an editorial he wrote, Gorman says NASTF’s “real value is in its capability to determine and deliberate whether information requests are legitimate and, if they are, negotiate for access to that information.

Gorman dismisses auto industry claims that Right to Repair legislation is a coverup for aftermarket parts sellers to rob vehicle manufacturers of their trade secrets. “Are the vehicle manufacturers right when they say this is about parts companbies robbing trade secrets and intellectual property? No.” Gorman says aftermarket parts companies want to preserve their market share in providing parts to independent auto repair shops.

He also denies NASTF has been ineffective. “NASTF has made significant progress…, but not in every case. The committees under the board of directors are active and have been successful in getting information previously unavailable to the aftermarket, but there is still some missing information. Significant gaps exist in the tool and equipment and vehicle security areas.”

NASTF was created to resolve disputes between vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket industry. Its creation followed introduction of Right to Repair legislation in Congress. Continuing pressure on automakers has been exerted by the spread of Right to Repair legislation to several states, including Oregon this year.

Gorman says NASTF has attempted to remain neutral on Right to Repair legislation and, as a result, has been castigated by both sides. He expressed the view that a lot of money has been spent on an issue that NASTF was intended to settle. His solution is to put governmental teeth behind NASTF’s work.

“NASTF has proven itself to be a very capable and valuable organization,” Gorman says, “but it could be even stronger and more valuable if it were approved or sanctioned by government as the place information gaps are determined and resolved.”

“I am not asking for a law that allows just anyone to file a lawsuit because they think they are missing some information,” he adds. “I am asking for a plan where government empowers NASTF to make these decisions, thus keeping government out of the decision process. Government is only needed to force all parties into the NASTF process.”

Gorman is leading a panel discussion at NASTF’s spring meeting this year entitled, “Exploring ways to improve communications between OEMs and the aftermarket.” “When designing, manufacturing and putting together service support systems, OEMss tend to concentrate on their own closed network,” Gorman explains. “Often aftermarket repair issues are not considered during the serviceability process. What appears to be a conspiracy to some aftermarket organizations is in reality simple inattention. Concentrating on aftermarket needs has never been a priority or a requirement.”