In the U.S., ARA is sending warnings about the dangers of using counterfeit vehicle parts (Photo credit: Huw Evans)
The growth in poor quality counterfeit vehicle parts is posing a serious problem for the automotive industry in North America, including the collision repair sector.
In the U.S., the Automotive Recyclers’ Association has been taking steps to warn consumers about the dangers of counterfeit vehicle parts.
Back in October, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (NIPRCC), which is led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), said that the growing number of counterfeit parts in circulation is creating public safety concerns.
In reference to the issue, ARA President Ricky Young, said that the association “has a long history of speaking out against counterfeit automotive parts and warning the automotive repair industry community and consumers about the dangers they pose and their increasing prevalence.”
Young notes that the issue of counterfeit parts presents a serious concern for the professional automotive recycling industry since ARA members, like automakers sell genuine, OEM parts.
“Each day over 500,000 recycled OEM parts that were designed and built to meet automakers’ original requirements for fit, finish, durability and safety are sold directly to consumers as well as to repairs shops,” said Young. “The presence of counterfeit parts in the marketplace is harmful to automotive recyclers and all other reputable part suppliers.”
Michael E. Wilson, CEO of ARA, said that in response to the problem, ARA has been able to reach out to other interested parties, such as the Association of Global Automakers, to address the specific issue of counterfeit airbags.”
Wilson also added that, “in March of last year, as a result of ARA’s interaction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on counterfeit airbags issues, ARA met with senior policy staff from the Obama Administration responsible for coordinating the federal government’s efforts on intellectual property (IP) enforcement issues.”
The meeting also included representatives of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
ARA says that collision repairers should use their professional training and judgment to make decisions regarding vehicle repairs on an individual basis. The association also believes that all collision industry stakeholders should recognize the safety, value and benefits in using genuine new OEM, remanufactured, recycled or quality aftermarket parts.
If collision repairers suspect that counterfeit parts have been purchased, they are urged to call 866-347-2423 or go online and visit the HSI Tip Line at: www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form
Reports can also be submitted to the NIPRCC at: www.iprcenter.gov/referral/