BETHESDA, MD — Legislation (A. 3682) that would limit competition in the crash parts business is moving forward in the New Jersey legislature. A committee approved the measure as amended, but without recommendation last week.
The bill creates as virtual five and a half year vehicle warranty period that would steer consumers to car company crash parts for all collision repairs. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) said it believes this requirement is anti-consumer, unnecessary and would be in violation of a federal law known as the Magnuson-Moss Act, which prohibits warranties from being conditioned on the use of original equipment parts.
AAIA Government Affairs Committee member Eileen Sottile, Keystone Automotive, testified in opposition of the measure before the New Jersey Committee on Regulated Professions and Independent Authorities. AAIA sent letters to all the members of the Committee on Regulated Professions stating the association’s concerns that the bill would provide car makers a monopoly on replacement parts, limit consumer choice and drive up repair costs.
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