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Letter to the Editor

AAIA Responds to U.S. GAO Report on Aftermarket Crash Parts

BETHESDA, MD -- A report just issued by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) should be welcome news to the aftermarket crash parts segment of the industry, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. The report looked at the safety of aftermarket crash parts and NHTSA's role in regulating this industry segment.

After extensive research that included examining several scientific studies and conducting interviews with more than 40 trade organizations, parts distributors and vehicle manufacturers, the GAO report did not lead to any recommendations for regulatory or legislative restrictions of aftermarket crash parts, said AAIA.

"Although NHTSA has the authority to regulate aftermarket crash parts, it has not determined that these parts pose a significant safety concern and therefore has not developed safety standards for them," the report stated.

"NHTSA has been given greater powers to investigate and recall products as a result of the Firestone tire issue. I'm sure that if NHTSA detected safety problems with aftermarket crash parts, or any parts for that matter, they should and would take action," said Alfred L. Gaspar, AAIA president & CEO. "AAIA has long maintained that there is no evidence supporting car companie's allegations of safety problems relating to the use of aftermarket crash parts. We're extremely pleased that the GAO report mirrors our position."

The GAO report including the following comments from NHTSA: "NHTSA has not taken action to regulate aftermarket crash parts because studies conducted to date and other data and analysis do not demonstrate that there are safety-related problems with the parts."

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer's representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket.

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