Contact:	Bob Redding (202) 543-1440
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin 97.79 October 10, 1997

Senate Commerce Committee Holds Hearing on Salvage Titling Bill

Washington, D.C., Oct. 10, 1997 - The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on S. 852, legislation that would establish national uniform requirements regarding the titling and registration of salvage, non-repairable, and rebuilt vehicles. Representatives from the salvage market, the insurance industry, the automotive dealers and a consumer protection agency presented testimony on the effects of the legislation.

The Senate legislation defines a salvage vehicle as a late model vehicle up to seven years old that has been damaged, destroyed or wrecked up to 75 percent of its pre-accident value or has a retail value of $10,000.

Similar legislation has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The House bill defines a salvage vehicle as one that is up to seven years old that has been damaged, destroyed or wrecked up to 80 percent of its pre-accident value or has a pre-accident value greater than $7,500.

Automotive Service Association (ASA) Washington Representative Bob Redding said, "Both the House and Senate bills have issues of concern to ASA. Although they continue to improve, we will work through the conference to see that we get the best titling bill possible."

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving more than 12,000 businesses and approximately 55,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA advances the professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services.