New chairman comments on plan for results-oriented process for CIC. Although the results of the recent crash testing of non-OEM parts by Ford and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, previously reported on CollisionWeek, were among the topics at the most recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC), the quarterly gathering focused on a variety of other […]
Diamond Standard Announces Safety Parts Certification Program
In response to the alerts raised by recent presentations at NACE in November 2009, and the Collision Industry Conference in January 2010, Diamond Standard announced that it has accelerated the time frame for its planned launch of a full certification program for safety parts. The company is itself a US based manufacturer of high strength […]
Testing is the Real Measure of Aftermarket Part Equivalency
Aftermarket parts manufacturer Diamond Standard is one company that takes issue with the idea that aftermarket parts cannot equal OEM. The company says there absolutely are some aftermarket parts that are the equivalent of OEM, and they have the testing to back it up. According to Geoff Crane, Business Development Manager, Diamond Standard, the company […]
LKQ Makes Deal to Sell Copies of Patented Ford Crash Parts
A settlement agreement was reached Wednesday between Ford Motor Company and LKQ Corporation in the litigation filed by Ford to protect its design patents on collision parts. The settlement provides that LKQ will not challenge the validity and enforceability of Ford’s design patents during the term of the agreement. In exchange, LKQ will become the […]
Ford Files Suit to Halt U.S. Import of Aftermarket Crash Parts
Ford has filed suit with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) claiming that certain aftermarket parts violate patents held by the automaker. Ford claims that certain parts designed for use on the F-150 infringe on its patents and the automaker has requested that the ITC issue a cease and desist order to stop importation of […]
IIHS: Cosmetic Crash Parts Are Irrelevant To Auto Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) collision repair sheet metal, including fenders, door skins, bumper covers, and the like, are irrelevant to vehicle safety. According to the IIHS, the crash performance of parts from non-OE suppliers would have no impact compared to cosmetic parts from original-equipment manufacturers in terms of their safety. […]
Replacement Parts Bills and Anti-Steering Legislation Introduced in PA Senate as Session Recesses
When the PA Senate reconvenes January 24, the insurance industry will be watching a competitive replacement parts legislation that has been introduced in the Senate. The National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII) is opposed to Senate Bill 1207, which prohibits the use of competitive replacement parts for the repair of vehicles that are less than […]