Auto Pride Announces “Reward Your Vehicle” Promotion
Each Auto Service Expert received a promotion kit with POP materials, ad slicks, bay banners and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act invoice stickers.
California Senate Passes Aftermarket Parts Bill
The California “Aftermarket Parts” bill (S.B. 1059) was passed last week by the California Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation, as introduced, would have made it an unfair claims practice for an insurance company to require the installation of any aftermarket part on a vehicle when it is under a factory warranty, considering such a practice to be an unfair method of competition and a deceptive act in the insurance business. However, the committee voted during the hearing to amend the bill such that: "At the time of sale, the insurer shall specifically notify the insured whether the insurance contract allows for the use of aftermarket parts, and that such use may affect the insured’s vehicle manufacturer’s warranty. The required use of aftermarket parts must also be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in bold type in the front declaration page of the policy."
AAIA Opposes N.J. Crash Parts Bill
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.