March 10, 2015—The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has issued a warning to consumers about the danger of counterfeit automotive parts in the marketplace, urging them to utilize quality, recycled original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts supplied by professional automotive recyclers.
"ARA has a long history of speaking out against counterfeit automotive parts and warning the automotive repair industry community and consumers about the dangers they pose and their increasing prevalence," ARA president Ricky Young said in a release. "The issue of counterfeit parts is a serious concern for the professional automotive recycling industry because like the auto manufacturers, ARA members also sell genuine, OEM parts. Each day over 500,000 recycled OEM parts that were designed and built to meet the automakers original requirements for fit, finish, durability and safety are sold directly to consumers as well as to repairs shops. The presence of counterfeit parts in the marketplace is harmful to automotive recyclers and all other reputable part suppliers."
Lawmakers across the country have become more aware of the threats posed by counterfeit automotive parts and are taking steps to address the problem. Legislation has been passed in several states making it a crime to knowingly manufacture, import, install, reinstall or sell a counterfeit or nonfunctional airbag.
"ARA has been able to reach out to other interested parties, such as the Association of Global Automakers, to address the specific issue of counterfeit airbags," ARA CEO Michael E. Wilson said in a release. "In March of last year, as a result of ARA's interaction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on counterfeit airbags issues, ARA met with senior policy staff from the Obama Administration responsible for coordinating the federal government's efforts on intellectual property (IP) enforcement issues."
The ARA has issued a statement that it believes collision repairers should use their professional training and judgment to make repair decisions based on the individual circumstances surrounding the damaged vehicles, and that all stakeholders involved in the collision repair marketplace should recognize the genuine value, safety and benefits that each repair part option (recycled, new, aftermarket, remanufactured) may provide in a given repair.
In addition, the ARA said it urges consumers and repairers to be informed about the source of parts being purchased or installed in a vehicle.
