April 13, 2012—The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Collision Division this week released a white paper on the development of its official position statement regarding replacement crash parts.
The ASA said it created a balanced and contemporary update to the organization’s crash parts policy, initially developed in 1997, following group discussions with its Governmental Affairs committee and Collision Division Operations committee. The white paper provides a historical look at ASA’s crash parts position, and the organization’s current expectations regarding the quality of aftermarket parts.
The ASA said its contemporary policy calls for collision repair facilities and insurance vendors to disclose to consumers all part types being recommended, along with the part description and warranty information. The updated policy states that original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are the standard, while supporting the use of replacement crash parts that are certified and verified to be equal to OEM parts through measurable evidence.
“Although ASA’s members maintain that original equipment manufacturer parts are the standard for parts specifications, these independent business owners also see the positive effects a competitive marketplace has on producing higher quality parts,” the ASA said.
The ASA said it is aware that providing the best possible repair for an individual consumer must take into account the individual’s economic circumstances, with quality and safety at the forefront of the repair plan.
“Collision repairers want to use the best possible replacement crash parts for collision repairs and are aware that no two repairs are the same,” said Dan Stander, director of the ASA’s Collision Division and co-owner of Fix Auto Highlands Ranch in Littleton, Colo. “The measurable and verifiable data of replacement crash parts is essential for the repair community to determine the various levels of quality in the parts market. Aftermarket parts built to the standard of original equipment parts raises the bar of quality and advances a competitive parts market.”
For more information, or to download the ASA’s entire replacement crash parts policy white paper, visit ASAshop.org.
