WASHINGTON – Harley-Davidson and a Westinghouse generator maker have agreed to drop some limits on who repairs their solutions, the U.S. Federal Trade Fee explained on Thursday.
The company voted past year to make it a precedence to force makers to quit demanding customers to use licensed dealers to restore products ranging from smartphones to farm devices. Critics say the follow raises rates for shoppers and shuts out impartial mend outlets.
The FTC reported in its criticism in opposition to Harley-Davidson, which was produced at the same time as the consent arrangement, that it experienced objected to language utilised by the bike maker this sort of as “the use of elements and company processes other than Harley-Davidson authorized components and support techniques may void the minimal warranty.”
Under the settlement, Harley-Davidson agreed that it would not void warranties for the reason that the buyer utilised 3rd-bash parts or unauthorized company centers.
Outside generator maker MWE Investments, element of Westinghouse Electric powered Corp, made a identical arrangement with the FTC.
Correct-to-restore was portion of a sweeping govt purchase that President Joe Biden signed past summer time aimed at endorsing far more levels of competition in the economy. The get addressed problems as disparate as non-compete clauses in worker contracts and superior prices for listening to aids. read extra
Neither Harley-Davidson nor Westinghouse instantly responded to a ask for for remark.