RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) is working to oppose provisions in Ohio legislation that would bar OEM part sales to non-franchised dealers or reimbursements to non-franchised dealers for warranty or recall work.
The two provisions are part of House and Senate bills revising Ohio’s motor vehicle franchise laws. Rep. Matt Lundy (D-Ohio 57th District) is the sponsor of HB 364 and Sen. Mark Wagoner (R-Ohio 2nd District) introduced a companion bill in the Ohio Senate.
In its March 22 letter to Rep. Lundy, AASA noted, “Aftermarket manufacturers are deeply concerned with language contained in HB 364 … We believe this provision eliminates consumer choice by requiring individuals to obtain replacement parts only at automobile dealerships.”
The letter notes that the provision would affect both independent repair shops and do-it-yourselfers. “The language restricts the access to original equipment parts only to auto dealers. Vehicle owners would no longer perform their own maintenance with the parts of their choice. Moreover, independent repair shops would no longer have access to the full range of parts that consumers may need for vehicle repair,” the AASA letter noted.
AASA appealed to Lundy to amend the provisions, “The bill, as currently written, sets a costly precedent during a time of economic uncertainty. We urge you to amend the legislation in order to provide an even playing field for the aftermarket industry, and to provide Ohio’s citizens with access to the parts and components that might be necessary for vehicle maintenance.”
AASA and the Washington, D.C., office of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) have said they will continue to monitor the Ohio House measure and its counterpart in the Ohio Senate, SB 364, and work with representatives and senators to amend the bills.
