ARA Issues Second Statement Cautioning Against Strict Adherence to OEM Repair Policies - BodyShop Business

ARA Issues Second Statement Cautioning Against Strict Adherence to OEM Repair Policies

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) says it is again urging the collision repair industry to ensure that any official, industry-sanctioned "repair standards" for collision repair include all recognized procedures - not just those of the OEMs.

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) says it is again urging the collision repair industry to ensure that any official, industry-sanctioned "repair standards" for collision repair include all recognized procedures – not just those of the OEMs. Standards promoted by other organizations such as I-CAR also need to be recognized, according to ARA.

"Given that there is no such thing as a ‘standard’ accident, the ARA believes collision repairers must be allowed to use their professional training and judgment to make repair decisions based on the individual circumstances surrounding the damaged vehicles rather than be forced to adopt a single solution and approach," the association said in a press release.

ARA is making this statement in response to the joint statement recently signed by several prominent collision repair groups recognizing OEM repair standards, when available, as the collision industry’s repair standards. The ARA says it’s concerned that this action could have negative consequences for collision repair professionals and consumers.

"The ARA believes that tying the hands of body shops in this proscriptive manner could open them up to an onslaught of baseless and outlandish lawsuits in instances where the repairs are not conducted strictly according to the OEM standards," the association said.

ARA also noted that strictly adhering to OEM repair standards can result in increased repair costs, which could lead to more damaged vehicles being declared total losses.

ARA contends that OEMs have become "more aggressive" over the past several years, releasing position statements that recommend against using recycled OEM parts.

"It defies basic logic to allow automakers to have carte blanche control over decisions in which they have such a huge financial stake. It is the fox watching the henhouse at its best – and much more disturbing at its worst," said ARA CEO Michael E. Wilson.

ARA notes that recycled OEM parts have been widely accepted for decades, and there is a long track record of their successful use, along with an average 30- to 70-percent cost savings compared to using new OEM parts.

"ARA believes that the goal of the manufacturers is to discourage the use of genuine recycled parts and to secure a market that establishes themselves as the only source of parts and procedures for the repair of consumers’ vehicles," said Wilson. "If the car companies have their way and eliminate genuine recycled parts from the repair process, then the costs of those new OEM parts will undoubtedly rise."


More information:

Automotive Recyclers Association

You May Also Like

TechForce Foundation Names New Chief Growth Officer

As chief growth officer, Jennifer Bergeron brings over 20 years of experience in technical education and organizational management to TechForce.

TechForce Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to championing the technician workforce, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Bergeron as its first chief growth officer.

In addition, TechForce welcomes Dave Smith, Bill Willetts and Matt Hartford to its board of directors. These exciting developments come on the heels of a recent TechForce announcement highlighting the growing public enthusiasm for high-tech, hands-on skilled trades careers. 

CREF Selected for LKQ Holiday Vote Fundraiser

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) was selected as one of the 10 participation charities in the LKQ Cares Holiday Vote fundraiser for this year.

Ford Approves AirPro Diagnostics for Collision, Glass Programs

AirPro Diagnostics announced that Ford has approved AirPro as a diagnostics and calibrations provider to ensure a complete and safe repair.

ASA Applauds Regulatory Proposal that Excludes Collision Repairers

The proposal would have increased required reporting under a revised Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) regulation.

Maaco Announces Winner of Tony Martino Legendary Hall of Fame Award

Tim Wright of Maacoi Farmington received the award, which recognizes an owner that personifies Maaco’s founding values of providing quality service at a fair price.

Other Posts

Fix Auto USA Salutes U.S. Army Vet Franchisee

This past Veterans Day, Fix Auto USA honored veterans among its franchise partners and corporate team members for their military service.

AASP/NJ Names Lodi’s Main Auto Body Shop of the Year

The award is given annually to an outstanding member shop for its contributions to the association and the industry-at-large.

Toyota Invests $8 Billion in N.C. EV Battery Plant

This investment adds capacity to support battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Maaco Announces Regional Cup Award Winners

Maaco announced the Maaco Regional Cup awards, which recognize operators for top sales, production and overall performance within their given region.