Feb. 12, 2013—The Association of Global Automakers on Monday expressed support of Maryland House Bill 885, a piece of legislation that would establish criminal penalties for selling and installing counterfeit or substandard vehicle airbags.

“Counterfeit replacement airbags are a serious safety problem,” said Mike Stanton, president and CEO of Global Automakers. “We want to do everything we can to ensure that consumers’ vehicles are repaired with airbags that operate as intended, meeting strict manufacturer and government standards.” 

Last fall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a consumer alert warning of the dangers of counterfeit airbags based on its discovery of several counterfeit airbag sales and installations by unauthorized dealers in the last three years.

“Individuals who knowingly sell or install dangerous counterfeit and substandard airbags should be punished,” Stanton said. “That is why we are working to pass legislation in Maryland and other states to bring attention to this important consumer issue.”

The proposed bill was referred to the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee. The Committee will hold a hearing on the legislation March 1. Global Automakers will testify at the hearing.