Toyota Position Statement Outlines Concerns About Untested Aftermarket Crash Parts
In light of several tests that have recently been conducted on untested structural aftermarket parts by collision repair professionals, Toyota Motor Sales USA says it has become increasingly concerned with how the use of untested parts could potentially affect vehicle structure, airbag deployment and occupant safety. Toyota has released the following position statement highlighting the
Ford Announces Aftermarket-OEM Crash Test Results at CIC
The ongoing aftermarket-OEM parts debate continued at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) held Nov. 3 at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, with Ford Motor Company concluding as the result of crash tests it conducted that using aftermarket bumpers can negatively impact airbag deployment. Ford was prompted to conduct the crash tests as the
California Governor Vetoes Crash Part Disclosure/Airbag Fraud Bill
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed S.B. 427 on Sept. 24. The legislation, proposed by California State Sen. Negrete McLeod, D-Chino, would increase penalties for failing to repair airbags and require repairers to disclose whether OEM or non-OEM parts are used in a repair. The bill’s language condemned perpetrators of airbag fraud, stating that those who
Rhode Island Governor Signs Airbag Fraud Prevention Act
Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri has signed SB 2514, the Automobile Airbag Fraud Prevention Act. The act was introduced in February by Sens. Joshua Miller, D-District 28, and David Bates, R-District 32. The new law seeks to combat airbag fraud. The act outlines the actions that would constitute “deceptive trade practices,” including when: •
Crash Part Disclosure/Airbag Fraud Bill Passes California Senate
California S.B. 427, which would increase penalties for failing to repair airbags and require repairers to disclose whether OEM or non-OEM parts are used in a repair, passed the California Senate and now awaits a signature from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The bill requires all work done and parts supplied by an automotive repair dealer to
Pennsylvania Legislator Proposes Motor Vehicle Airbag Fraud Prevention Act
Pennsylvania Rep. Matthew Bradford, D-District 70, has introduced a bill to penalize fraudulent practices regarding airbag installation and reinstallation. The legislation includes penalties for those who: (1) install or reinstall, as part of a motor vehicle inflatable occupant restraint system, an object in lieu of an airbag, including a light manipulating system; (2) sell or
National Vehicle Extrication Program Comes to Washington State
On Sept. 10, Precision Collision Auto Body, a member of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), will deliver the latest in vehicle emergency occupant extrication training to local first responders. The First Responders Emergency Extrication (FREE) program is a four-hour course that incorporates classroom and hands-on instruction, including airbag deployment demonstrations and vehicle cutting techniques.
Honda Recommends Against Repairing with ‘Aftermarket, Counterfeit or Gray Market’ Parts
American Honda has released position statements on Honda and Acura Genuine Parts. The statements say that failing to repair Honda and Acura vehicles with OEM parts could compromise vehicle safety and performance, along with warranties. The position statements are reprinted below: HONDA GENUINE PARTSThe original parts used on a Honda automobile are designed and built
Hyundai: No Aftermarket, Imitation or Recycled Parts in Collision Repairs
Hyundai Motor America has joined a growing list of OEMs recommending that repairers avoid using recycled parts or aftermarket parts in collision repairs. The automaker has released a statement saying that it does not support the use of "aftermarket, imitation or recycled collision repair parts" because the parts could compromise a vehicle’s performance in a
Ford Introduces New Crash Avoidance Technology for Handling Curves
Ford Motor Company recently introduced new crash avoidance technology — Curve Control — designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles when taking a curve too quickly. Curve Control debuts as standard equipment on the new 2011 Ford Explorer going into production later this year and will be offered on 90 percent of the