CARE Commends MI Governor For Vetoing Anti-Consumer, Anti-Competition Legislation

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), a national, non-profit organization that represents companies in the automotive aftermarket, including: NAPA, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Bridgestone-Firestone, commends Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (R) for vetoing House Bill 4344, an anti-consumer, anti-competition bill that passed overwhelmingly in both of Michigan's chambers.

Ray Pohlman, CARE president stated, "HB 4344 would have severely restricted consumer choice and the use of aftermarket replacement parts for the first five years of a vehicle's warranty. The legislation stated that during this five-year period, automotive repair shops must make repairs on certain parts with only new or recertified original equipment (OE) parts, or parts that have been tested and verified or exceeding OEM quality by a nationally recognized, independent third party testing agency.

"Had this legislation been enacted, consumers would have had to request in writing to purchase aftermarket parts. This intimidation tactic has failed before because aftermarket parts are as good, and in most cases better, than OEM parts at a fraction of the cost," continued Pohlman.

House Bill 4344 was also in violation of federal law known as the Magnuson-Moss Act, which passed in the U.S. Congress in the late 1970s. Magnuson-Moss prohibits repairs from being tied to warranties.

"By vetoing HB 4344, Governor Snyder has preserved and encouraged competition which makes parts and prices better for consumers, has helped protect the nearly 190,000 Michigan aftermarket jobs and has allowed consumers to make their own choices.

"We thank the Governor for recognizing all aspects of the automotive industry, including the automotive aftermarket," concluded Pohlman.

The automotive aftermarket employs over five million people nationwide in ½ million aftermarket businesses. 

SOURCE Coalition for Auto Repair Equality