Diamond Standard announced that its 2008 Dodge Ram bumper (CH1002383DS) is the first aftermarket bumper to pass Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing.
"To receive the distinction as the first aftermarket bumper to pass IIHS testing is an honor that validates the single-minded purpose of Diamond Standard: not only manufacturing the safest parts available, but precision parts using correct material, tool building, stamping and process controls," said Mike O’Neal, president of Diamond Standard.
“We wish to thank Adrian Lund and Joe Nolan of the IIHS for making the beautiful facility at Ruckersville available for these tests,” said Geoff Crane, Diamond Standard business development manager. "IIHS is no stranger to Diamond Standard, and we’ve sought their counsel on testing development, design and expertise and incorporated it into the multitude of quasi-static and dynamic tests conducted by MGA Research for Diamond Standard structural bumper components front steel bumpers, brackets, high strength steel/aluminum reinforcements and absorbers."
"[The test outcome] is what we expected," said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "It shows that aftermarket parts can be reverse-engineered without compromising safety."
From a safety standpoint, aftermarket bumpers need to perform in the same manner as original bumpers and service part bumpers in a crash, Diamond Standard says. Diamond Standard’s printed policy on part replacement continues to be either OE or Diamond Standard only.
“The two vehicles had similar crashworthiness measures in the 40-mph offset frontal test, and both would receive an overall ‘good’ rating for frontal crash protection,” said Joe Nolan, chief administrative officer of IIHS.
Diamond Standard claimed that using its 2008 Dodge Ram bumper in a repair would generate a cost savings of $141 compared to using its OEM counterpart.
“We’re proud of the certified quality and crashworthiness of our Diamond Standard bumpers," said O’Neal. "Yet, the one thing that makes me the proudest is that the Diamond Standard Bumper is made in the USA. Never underestimate the quality of the American worker,”
“Diamond Standard structural parts are built to a standard, which is the OE part," said Crane. "Our job as a manufacturer meaningfully associated with quality parts is to replicate the safety and crashworthiness criteria of OE service parts. Dynamic and destructive comparative testing by industry experts proving equal functional performance is a demonstrated core competency of our company and an assurance to the industry and vehicle owner that use of certified Diamond Standard parts provide an acceptable alternative part without compromising safety and damageability,”
Diamond Standard parts are available through limited quality distributors nationwide including the AQRP program at Keystone, an LKQ company.
More information:
CAPA Releases New Bumper Standard, Enlists IIHS for Crash Tests
Diamond Standard Says Study Indicates ‘Acceptable Variance’ Among Parts Exists
Visit the Diamond Standard Parts website to see crash test footage and analysis