ASA testifies against super warranties in Florida

Jan. 1, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted a workshop in Tallahassee, Fla., on greenhouse gas emissions reduction and the potential adoption of California motor vehicle emissions stand

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted a workshop in Tallahassee, Fla., on greenhouse gas emissions reduction and the potential adoption of California motor vehicle emissions standards in the state of Florida. The purpose of this workshop was to provide an opportunity for interested parties to provide comments at the outset of the proposed rule development project. Charlie Elder, AAM, owner of Ray Gordon Brake Service in Tallahassee and immediate-past chairman of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) board of directors, testified during the hearing.

Elder expressed concern on behalf of ASA and its Florida members over the proposed expanded super warranty provision included in the California Emissions standards now being considered by the Florida DEP. He proposed that the super warranty is the greatest long-term threat to the repair industry, also impacting both parts distributors and parts manufacturers. He explained the negative impact that a super warranty provision would have on automotive independent repairers. ASA believes that independent repairers would lose both vehicle repairs that are covered by this proposed super warranty and likely the customer’s other repairs, possibly losing the customer permanently.
In addition to the effect on automotive independent repairers, Elder also discussed potential negative impacts on consumers and dealers. He said with a super warranty, consumers would have less choice in where to have their car repaired, especially in rural areas. Additionally, there would be a potential negative impact on sales of these vehicles because of the increased cost caused by the super warranty.

While ASA says it supports clean car programs that improve air quality, it believes they can exist and prosper in states without expanding or extending warranties at the expense of independent repair facilities. Elder concluded by urging the Florida DEP to evaluate the financial impact on small businesses by implementing the super warranty provision before proposing a rule. Elder asked that the DEP create a program that makes sense for Florida, rather than strictly following the program created for California. At a minimum, ASA believes Florida should follow the lead of Washington and Vermont by adopting a Clean Car Program without a super warranty provision.
For additional information visit ASA’s legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

 

 

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