The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), an independent non-profit standard-setting and certification organization for automotive crash
parts, has joined the newly launched Consumer Access to Repair (CAR) Coalition.

The CAR Coalition is an industry group whose mission is to preserve and protect consumer choice, transparency and affordability in the collision repair market. It was founded to advocate for pro-consumer protection laws and policies related to collision repair for their automobiles.

Consumers are under increasing pressure to have their vehicles repaired by the manufacturer, as opposed to independent collision centers. Additionally, official repair procedures from OEMs may, according to CAPA, limit consumer options for replacement parts to those controlled by the OEM. Consumers may also find that data about their vehicles and driving habits is being collected and provided to the manufacturer without their understanding or consent, limiting their repair options in the future. The CAR Coalition seeks to protect a consumer’s right to privacy and ability to make informed decisions about vehicle repair and replacement parts.

“CAPA is proud to be a member of the CAR Coalition,” said Clark Plucinski, chairman of CAPA. “Consumers and the competitive automotive market need complete access to the parts, data and information required to ensure that vehicles may undergo timely and cost-effective repair and maintenance. CAPA’s membership in the CAR Coalition serves to strengthen its support of the independent collision repair industry, upon which consumers depend.”

Members of the CAR Coalition include Allstate, the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) and LKQ Corporation.

For more information on the CAR Coalition, visit carcoalition.com.