WASHINGTON, D.C., December 8, 2025 – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) thanks Congress for bringing attention to the rise in crime and its harm to small businesses. Last week, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing titled, “Main Street under Attack: The Cost of Crime on Small Businesses.” Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), who owns an auto dealership, noted that dealerships have seen an uptick in inventory theft.

The hearing also examined how small businesses are vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Chairman Williams explained that “small businesses are 210% more likely to experience cyberattacks than large companies simply because they lack the resources to implement strong cybersecurity policies.” In her testimony, National Cybersecurity Alliance Executive Director Lisa Plaggemier added that small businesses in the auto industry are particularly attractive targets. She highlighted how “the average car dealer has 50,000 consumer records that include social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and more.”

Dan Stander, ASA Board of Directors President and owner of FIX AUTO Highlands Ranch in Littleton, Colorado, stated, “The frequency of physical and cybercrimes committed against automotive repair shops is getting out of hand. Similar to the situation that Chairman Williams described regarding auto dealers, many auto repair businesses have experienced an increase in catalytic converter thefts. Our industry looks to our elected officials to protect our businesses, employees, and customers. In response, ASA recently called on auto repairers to join ASA in educating Congress on the need to address this issue by supporting the PART Act. We are heartened that Congress is paying attention to this growing problem independent repair shops are facing.  We also encourage members of Congress to take action by supporting the PART Act.”

ASA is the largest and oldest national organization committed to protecting the automotive repair industry with ONE VOICE. We are the only trade association whose board is comprised solely by collision and mechanical automotive repairers. Our members own and operate repair facilities responsible for the majority of all, post warranty, repair services in the United States. ASA advocates for the interests of its members and their customers in Washington, D.C. The education, resources, and services ASA provides empowers its members in all 50 states to remain trusted stewards of mobility in their communities. www.ASAShop.org