Sept. 14, 2011—The Automotive Body Parts Association’s (ABPA) recent statements that genuine Ford OEM collision replacement parts are different than its production components contain inaccurate information and are based on incomplete facts, according to a press release_notes issued by Ford Motor Co. Tuesday.
The parts referenced in the ABPA’s statements were used for both manufacturing and service replacement. Ford tested the parts and found them to meet its specifications for the Mustang. The statements in Ford’s recent YouTube video are true and accurate, including Ford’s claim that collision replacement parts are the same as those used to manufacture the vehicle, according to Ford.
Ford claims part materials are exhaustively analyzed and tested during the vehicle development process to meet internal and external requirements for safety, quality, fuel economy, cost-of-ownership and breakthrough technologies.
Original specifications for the 2005-2009 Mustang called for single-density polypropylene front and rear bumper isolators. But as the vehicle had been tested and certified using a double-density polypropylene front bumper isolator, Ford maintained the use of that material until the vehicle could be tested again and certified using the single-density polypropylene front bumper isolator.
The double-density polypropylene bumper isolator was used for both vehicle manufacturing and service replacement until January 2007, according to Ford. The single-density polypropylene front bumper isolator went into vehicle production and was used for both vehicle manufacturing and service replacement after testing proved it met all requirements and specifications. As both double and single-density bumper isolators were proven to be compatible, both were available for service replacement until stock of the double-density isolators was exhausted.
Ford said these facts, and its continuing concerns with the fit, finish, material composition and structural integrity of aftermarket collision parts, reinforce its position that genuine Ford replacement collision parts are the right choice for consumers. The company said ABPA's accusations highlight the aftermarket's lack of understanding and difficulty staying current with the frequent changes made by automakers to constantly improve vehicles.
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