As the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerts vehicle owners and repair professionals to the dangers of counterfeit airbags, the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) believes that consumers who may be involved in an accident should be aware of the difference between "illegal and unsafe" counterfeit parts versus "safe and effective" alternative, or aftermarket, automotive parts. ABPA has issued the following distinction between the two categories:
• Counterfeit parts are imitation parts produced, packaged and intentionally misrepresented as being manufactured by a reputable brand. Counterfeit parts may work for a shorter period of time or may not work at all and can pose severe safety hazards for drivers and passengers.
• Alternative aftermarket parts, in total contrast, are manufactured according to precise specifications. They are often certified by independent standards organizations and clearly labeled and marketed by reputable alternative parts manufacturers and distributors. In many cases, alternative auto parts carry longer warranties than those offered by OEMs on similar parts.
“Our first concern is for the safety of all consumers who are at risk of having counterfeit airbags installed in their vehicles,” said Nicholas E. Scheid, president of the board of directors of ABPA. “However, we also want to ensure that consumers fully understand that they can continue to use legal, safe and cost-effective alternative automotive parts with confidence.”
More information:
To learn more about the NHTSA alert, visit www.safecar.gov.
