FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2008
Contact: Vicki Robb
Vicki Robb Communications
(703) 329-3356
vicki@jvrobb.com


AMERICA'S SENIORS CALL FOR CONSUMER CHOICE
RetireSafe urges Congress to Adopt Automotive Design Patent “Repair Clause”

WASHINGTON — On behalf of the more than 49 million households in the United States that
are headed by someone 50 or older, RetireSafe, a national advocacy group for older
Americans, joined with the Consumer Federation of America, Public Citizen, Consumers Union,
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and the Center for Auto Safety in urging Congress to
keep prices fair in the automobile replacement parts marketplace to ensure consumers’ right to
repair.

In response to a hearing yesterday before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Courts, the
Internet, and Intellectual Property, RetireSafe called on legislators to preserve the traditions of
consumer choice and competition in the collision replacement part industry.

Decreased competition among the manufacturers of automobile replacement parts drives
consumers to the dealership time and time again, allowing car companies to take advantage of
pricing—and consumers. In fact, without legislative action to correct the current patent law,
skyrocketing parts prices will continue to inflate insurance premiums. The cost of replacing
vehicles that are unnecessarily declared “totaled” will force many seniors to abandon personal
transportation, a critical freedom.

“Eliminating the competition in the automotive aftermarket marketplace impacts Americans
across the board – from their pocketbooks to their premiums,” said Michelle Plasari, President
of RetireSafe. “For members of our growing senior community—one in eight Americans—such a
drain on their fixed income will jeopardize the independence that personal transportation
affords.”

Alternative parts, however, can save consumers up to $1.5 billion a year, alleviating an
additional strain put on Americans by higher-priced parts manufactured by original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs).

“American consumers have traditionally had a choice when repairing a damaged vehicle. The
freedom of transportation for American’s senior consumers rides on a move by Congress to
preserve competition with a permanent legislative solution,” concluded Plasari.

To learn more about RetireSafe, visit www.retiresafe.org.

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About RetireSafe
RetireSafe is a grassroots advocacy organization promoting dynamic solutions to America's retirement security
challenges and dedicated to preserving and enhancing the options, benefits, and lives of older Americans.