The Taiwan Auto Body Parts Association (TABPA) is advising its members to stop the sale and distribution of untested aftermarket structural crash parts. TABPA is the second parts association this week to recommend the cessation of the distribution, sale and manufacturing of untested parts, with the Auto Body Parts Association (ABPA) also alerting its members.
During a recent CIC Technical Presentation, SCRS Board member and I-CAR instructor Toby Chess demonstrated differences between a number of aftermarket structural parts and their OEM counterparts, illustrating the importance of structural part certification in the aftermarket.
During the week of Jan. 18, members of ABPA, TABPA and TABPA’s consultant, Karen Fierst, conveyed the seriousness of Chess’ findings to the two aftermarket part association boards. The boards of directors of both associations independently decided to convey the CIC Technical Presentation findings to their respective members and advise them to stop selling and manufacturing non-certified structural parts.
“TABPA appreciates the efforts of Mr. Chess, SCRS and CIC in bringing these issues to our attention,” said TABPA Chairman Dr. Chiang Hsu, CEO of TYC Group. “The presentation illustrates the importance of product certification. I am confident that our member companies will embrace structural part certification standards.”
TABPA consultant Karen Fierst of KerenOr Consultants added, “As soon as the TABPA Board understood the potential risk to consumers, they took immediate action. This is an excellent example of inter-industry collaboration to rectify a potential problem.”
According to Dr. Hsu, “TABPA members want to be recognized around the world as the primary source of high quality, aftermarket collision repair parts. Our association and members are prepared to take the necessary steps to achieve that goal. ”
TABPA is a sub-committee of the Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturer’s Association representing 22 Taiwan-based companies manufacturing motor vehicle replacement parts for the global market. Member companies produce both OEM and aftermarket parts.
More information:
ABPA Advises Distributors to Pull Untested Aftermarket Parts