News Briefs

By Levy Joffrion

More Than 500 Parts in CAPA Tests

The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) has announced it has more than 500 metal and plastic parts from 14 manufacturers in its new part approval process.

Once this detailed and individual part testing process is complete, the part becomes CAPA certified and the manufacturer is allowed to place a CAPA seal on the part and it's listed as CAPA. This listing is readily available to the public.

“A key component of the CAPA program is ready access to which parts in the market meet CAPA standards,” said Jack Gillis, executive director. Because CAPA certifies the quality of each part, a varied series of tests must be passed before the part becomes CAPA certified.

According to Gillis, manufacturers have recently stepped up the number of new parts they are submitting to CAPA for approval and certification, and each of their parts must pass a rigid set of tests before being certified. “Putting untested, unchecked parts into the marketplace is simply unacceptable,” he said. “Repairers don't want that and neither do consumers. In fact, most insurers will accept nothing less than a fully tested part.”

For more information, visit www.capacertified.org.

iATN 2002 Convention Set

The International Automotive Technicians' Network (iATN) 2002 Annual Convention will be held Sept. 27-29 at the West Coast Anaheim Hotel, Anaheim, Calif. The convention, jointly sponsored by NAPA and ASE, will draw automotive service professionals from around the world.

ASA Supports California Bill

If enacted, California Senate Bill 1648 would prohibit insurance companies from having a controlling interest in auto body repair businesses. ASA Washington, D.C. Representative Bob Redding has contacted the bill's author, Sen. Jackie Speier, D-San Francisco, in support of the legislation. And ASA is asking its Collision Division members in California to contact their state senators and garner additional support for S.B. 1648.

Sales Await Service Providers

A record number of vehicles coming off basic bumper-to-bumper warranties will provide tremendous sales opportunities for aftermarket companies over the next three years, according to data from R.L. Polk & Co. Today there are just over 48 million vehicles covered under manufacturer warranties. Approximately 163 million vehicles are out of warranty.

“The number of out-of-warranty vehicles is higher than it has ever been and it will continue to grow in the coming years,” said Marty Miller, Polk's aftermarket industry consultant. “This trend will provide enormous sales potential for all automotive aftermarket companies because car owners will need to find replacement parts.”

I-CAR to Meet July 17-21

From the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) comes word that it will hold its annual meeting July 17-21 at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Also, that its new Web site (www.i-car.com) features a new look and easier navigation, and that DuPont Automotive Finishes-Canada is now a member of the Industry Training Alliance program. Formed by I-CAR in 2000, the Alliance brings together technical training providers to optimize the training efforts of the collision industry.

USA Today Features ASE Section

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - with the help of sponsorship from NAPA, Snap-on, Federal Mogul and Valvoline - published a special advertising section in the April 17 edition of USA Today. The section reached 4.8 million readers with the ASE message giving consumers valuable information on vehicle maintenance, an explanation of the ASE program and a look at alternative fuel vehicles. The section also helped mark the 30th anniversary of ASE's founding in 1972.

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