The
Automotive Service Association’s Collision Division completed a white paper on its
recent position statement on replacement (aftermarket) parts.

This
statement is an update to the association’s 1997 crash parts policy, and calls
for collision repair facilities and insurance vendors to disclose to consumers
all part types being recommended, along with part description and warranty
information that is being used to fix a vehicle.

While
the group recognizes and maintains that the original equipment manufacturer
part is standard, this update strengthens the need for transparency, while
noting: “replacement crash parts that are certified and verified in which
quality is based on empirical and measurable evidence equal to the OEM part.”

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.

 “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, ASA Collision Division director
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.”

The
quality of replacement crash parts is an issue that continues to be monitored
by ASA’s Collision Division Operations Committee.