The Automotive Service Association (ASA) hosted a summit meeting in Dallas on June 17 to assist in developing national uniform policy for collision repair replacement parts. ASA invited insurers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), dealers, aftermarket manufacturers, consumer groups and service industry representatives to attend the meeting.

Replacement parts legislation being considered in states across the country has varied a great deal in the last few years. Although most of the legislation has been well-intentioned, ASA has been concerned about wide differences in policy coming out of the automotive repair industry. This summit was an effort to establish uniform policy that could be used at the state or federal level. After meeting with many industry officials during the 1996 International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), ASA concluded that there was consensus in the industry for a national policy that would benefit all aspects of the collision repair industry. ASA then chose a time, place and format for the discussions.

The meeting proved to be very successful. Attendees agreed to several key issues. First, consumers are entitled to notice as to what types of parts (OEM, aftermarket, recycled, used) are being placed on the vehicle. Second, the consumer should have the right to consent to the use of these parts for the life of the vehicle. Repairers placing parts on a vehicle without the consumer's knowledge is not fair to the consumer. This consent should be in writing. How can a system, the way it exists today, not be burdensome to the shop or confusing to the consumer?

The group asked for a draft consent form to be developed that would give notice to the consumer of the types of parts that might be used on the vehicle. In the body of the form, the consumer would see what type of parts have been selected to be used for their vehicle's repair. The consumer would then decide whether to allow these types of parts to be used. Once the consumer has agreed, the form would then be signed by the consumer.

The burden on the shop owner would be relatively small, and the notification/consent process would not confuse the consumer with page upon page of small print. This notification/consent process would clearly be an education process for most consumers. Collision repairers and other members of our industry know that consumers are not educated about the types of parts available and how they differ. This process will give repairers an opportunity to show their concern for the quality and safety issues that are important to every vehicle owner.

What about the certification of aftermarket parts? This issue was discussed during the meeting. ASA and other members of the industry have participated for years in roundtable discussions at NACE concerning the certification of aftermarket parts. This area is of particular concern because some states are reviewing the possible exemption of certified parts from vehicle warranty periods in collision repairs. There was consensus that certification has not been effective. Many aftermarket manufacturers give warranties to all of their parts whether they are certified or not. The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) has been in existence for approximately 10 years. Although ASA has been supportive of CAPA and the concept that contributed to its formation, certification has not produced any consistency in high quality parts. Standards have been raised and parts have been improved to a degree, but certification seals simply do not assure collision repairers of a high quality part. Certification of parts must improve if the concept is to survive in the collision repair industry. Collision repairers do not want to be the testing laboratory for these parts.

The principle outstanding issue is what parts should or should not be used during the warranty period of the vehicle. Some states have concluded that a three-year time frame is the proper approach for dealing with original equipment parts only. Some of these same states debated periods of much greater length, possibly seven years. After much discussion, the group agreed to come up with discussion proposals for the next meeting dealing with the warranty period and possible options.

ASA anticipates bringing the group back together prior to Labor Day to complete discussions of replacement parts. Once a final document has been developed, this uniform bill could be used in state legislatures reviewing policy or at the federal level.

It was clear from the meeting that all segments of the industry want consensus. Those entities offering parts for sale are proud of what they produce and are willing to stand behind the parts. This goes for notice and consent. Everyone agreed on the importance of the consumer and their right to know. It is imperative that the collision repair industry continue to upgrade its relationship with consumers. All too often, repairers become consumed with the issues between themselves and other segments of the industry. The first question should be how does this affect the consumer? Until we move the debate into this area, we will continue to be deterred from progress in this industry.

In meetings several years ago with the U. S. Department of Justice, a top Justice Department official told ASA that the greatest weapon for collision repairers was the consumer. We have spent far too much time on strategy for dealing with other segments of the industry and should focus our efforts on how best to serve and protect our customers.

It was a pleasure for ASA to host this summit and we hope to continue these meetings until this project is complete. The industry is consumed with various problems that should have been dealt with long ago. Although this is a small step, ASA hopes that this issue's resolution will advance the plight of the collision repairer.

Bob Redding is the Automotive Service Association's Washington, D.C., representative. He is a member of several federal and state advisory committees involved in the automotive industry. For more information about the legislative activities of ASA, visit www.TakingTheHill.com.

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