AAIA Reaffirms Support for "Access to Repair Parts Act"
BETHESDA, MD – March 23, 2010 – Following Monday’s hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) reaffirmed its support for the “Access to Repair Parts Act,” H.R. 3059/S. 1368. Introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., the legislation provides a narrow exception to the U.S. design patent law, which ensures that consumers will have continued access to affordable automotive collision replacement parts during these difficult economic times.
For more than 60 years, American consumers have had a choice when it comes to the repair of collision parts (i.e. bumpers, fenders, hoods) on their vehicles. Typically 26 to 50 percent less than car company equivalents, quality alternatives save motorists an estimated $1.5 billion per year. Recently, however, the car companies have been securing an increasing number of design patents on such parts. If car companies block competitors from the market, they could gain an effective monopoly, sending prices soaring and driving up the cost of insurance premiums by as much as $3 billion.
“AAIA is committed to supporting the ‘Access to Repair Parts Act’ in order to ensure that motorists continue to have choices in vehicle repair and parts,” said Aaron Lowe, vice president, government affairs, AAIA. “The competitive marketplace that results from the availability of quality collision replacement parts will mean lower repair and insurance costs for motorists.”
AAIA is a member of the Quality Parts Coalition, comprised of national consumer groups, aftermarket automotive companies and associations, automotive repairers, insurance industry representatives and senior citizens groups, which seeks to deter a car company monopoly on automotive collision replacement parts. Reps. Rick Boucher, D-Va.; G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C.; Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.; William D. Delahunt, D-Mass.; Debbie Halvorson, D-Ill.; Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas; and Charles A. Wilson, D-Ohio, are co-sponsors of H.R. 3059.