Contact:	Bob Redding (202) 543-1440
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin 98-31 April 12, 1998

ASA Submits Testimony to Alabama Senate Committee

Washington, D.C., April 12, 1998 - Automotive Service Association Washington Representative Bob Redding submitted written testimony to the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee regarding legislation that would regulate the use of aftermarket crash parts.

If enacted, the legislation would prohibit the use of aftermarket crash parts while the vehicle is under the original manufacturer's warranty unless the insured is advised in writing and then consents to the use of those parts. In all instances where non-original equipment manufacturer parts are to be used in the repair of a vehicle, the legislation requires the consumer to be notified in writing.

"ASA has been actively involved in the aftermarket crash parts issue for some time now. We have worked with representatives from all segments of the industry to develop a unified position regarding the use of crash parts and we are involved in sharing this position with legislators whenever they debate the use of those parts," Redding said. "We believe that in all instances, consumers must understand what types of parts are being installed on their vehicles and must consent to their use."

ASA believes that the legislation provides some protection to consumers, but asked the legislators to amend the legislation to require written disclosure and consent whenever crash parts are installed on vehicles.

Aftermarket crash parts are often made using thinner, lighter and lower quality materials and many are not equivalent to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications for fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion resistance and dent resistance. In some cases they are also not effectively safety tested to ensure optimum crash performance. Insurance companies save millions of dollars each year by insisting on their use.

From the motor vehicle technician's view, imitation crash parts take significantly more time to prepare and install than original equipment manufacturer parts and most often prevent repair technicians from achieving the level of quality that adequately restores the vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

ASA has fought for requirements that imitation crash parts be equivalent or exceed vehicle manufacturer parts for fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion resistance and crash performance. ASA supports testing and certification of imitation parts by independent certifying bodies, to ensure that the above criteria has been met. The association believes that rigid certification procedures could have the effect of improving the quality of these crash parts to the level of mechanical aftermarket parts, which have the reputation of being at least as good as manufacturers' parts.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind, serving more than 13,000 businesses and approximately 60,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA is headquartered in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. Additional information about ASA, including past news releases, is available on the ASA Web Site on the Internet (http://www.asashop.org).