Quality Parts Coalition Gains Additional Support from New York

New York State Automotive Aftermarket Association Strengthens Coalition

WASHINGTON — Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) today welcomed the New York State Automotive Aftermarket Association (NYSAAA) as an integral part in the Coalition’s fight to secure permanent legislation preventing monopolies in the automotive aftermarket parts market.

The QPC formed in March 2007 in response to an International Trade Commission ruling mandating exclusive rights to manufacture seven repair parts for the Ford F-150 (model years 2004-2007). Now, as the only source for these new replacement parts, Ford is forcing consumers to pay a monopoly price repeatedly – first when the consumer purchases the car and then again for replacement parts whenever repairs are needed. These 14-year patents will raise repair prices and insurance costs and increase the number of cars totaled after a fender-bender. Recently, Ford filed yet another ITC case – which the ITC has announced it will investigate – this time targeting Mustang owners.

“The appearance of the vehicle plays an important role when it comes to the consumer choosing a new car,” explained Eileen Sottile, executive director of the QPC. “The QPC and the NYSAAA are not arguing that overall patent designs are needed to protect the design of the vehicle. What we are saying is that consumers deserve a choice when it comes to repairing the vehicle. A double monopoly will raise costs, with the largest impact hitting the consumer.”

Owned by its members and managed by an industry-experienced staff, NYSAAA is committed to strengthening the automotive aftermarket industry, promoting education and professional development and, above all, to helping its members derive maximum success from their business operations. Governmental issues are another top-priority for NYSAAA as it joins the QPC in working for a permanent legislative solution.

“If the monopoly on aftermarket replacement parts continues, I think drivers need to stop and ask themselves if they can really afford to own a Ford,” said Dick Shea, executive director of NYSAAA. “Through our work with the QPC, we look to educate consumers on the impact these monopolies will have on potentially every make and model across the board.”

For more information, visit www.nysaaa.com and www.qualitypartscoalition.com.

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Serving the Aftermarket since 1949, this not-for-profit association has existed solely for the support of its members in the day to day challenges that they face. NYSAAA offers multiple services and supplies to help with the cost of operating a business in today’s market place. Consisting of approximately 500 members they also help with many governmental issues that will help to insure the future for the countless number of employees and customers that rely on the existence of the Automotive Aftermarket.

The Quality Parts Coalition represents the interests of the independent parts industry, the repair industry, the insurance industry and consumers. It is the goal of the Quality Parts Coalition to develop and secure a permanent legislative change to U.S. design patent law to preserve competition and to protect the consumer’s right to benefit from quality, lower-cost alternative replacement parts.