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Letter to the Editor

CAPA Introduces Quality Standard for Automotive Lighting

The Technical Committee of the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) has approved standard 301 for certifying aftermarket automotive lighting. Included in the standard are the specifications for dimensional checks (form and fit), appearance, composition, coating performance, mechanical properties, adhesives, fasteners, hardware, photometric performance, electrical performance, and aiming performance.

Lighting products covered by the standard include headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake signals, reflectors, running lights, and high-mounted brake lights.

"Lighting manufacturers who choose to comply with CAPA's rigid quality standards now have a way to clearly demonstrate product quality to the public," said Jack Gillis, Executive Director of the non-profit association.

Parts that meet these standards will be clearly marked with CAPA's unique, tamper-proof quality seal and packaging. "There will be no question in the marketplace as to which parts are genuine CAPA certified products," said Gillis.

Key components of the CAPA certification standard will be assuring compliance with FMVSS standards for lights and a vehicle test fit.

"Repairers have told us time and again that they are tired of being the 'product test fitters,'" said Gillis, "so that's why the CAPA program conducts extensive test fits before certifying any part for quality."

CAPA and Entela, Inc. engineers developed the standard in consultation with repairers and manufacturers. It was approved on March 26, 2001 by a vote of CAPA's Technical Committee made up of collision repairers, manufacturers, distributors, insurers and industry consultants, during their meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to the vote, the meeting involved a detailed review of the various requirements, the test fit procedure, and the processes to be used in the photometric tests.

"Approval of this new lighting standard is a huge step forward for CAPA in expanding our base of certified parts," stated Rod Enlow of USAA, Chairman of the Technical Committee. "It will also benefit the consumer by providing more competition in the marketplace for lighting equipment with the availability of high quality, certified parts."

"Those lighting manufacturers who choose to comply with CAPA's rigid standards will be making a significant contribution to overall vehicle reparability," said Don Feeley of City Body and Frame and Vice Chairman of the Technical Committee.

Two of America's largest aftermarket lighting suppliers, Genera/TYC and Maxzone/Depo were present at the Technical Committee meeting and have indicated interest in participating in the CAPA program. CAPA's President, Bob Anderson of Anderson's Automotive Services also participated in the Technical Committee meeting.

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