Currently, Michigan’s collision and repair shops do not use nearly as many recycled parts as they could.  Despite pressures from the industry to use more recycled parts, repair shops often only consider certain types of recycled parts, or only purchase parts from a few long-term trusted recyclers.  There are a variety of reasons why there is a reluctance to use more recycled parts:  limited parts availability, poor or inconsistent quality of parts, incorrect parts, uncertain delivery times that interfere with scheduled repair cycle times, and difficulties with returns and credits.  Similarly, recyclers can become frustrated with selling parts to repair shops that fail to understand the nature of recycled parts, do not order the correct parts, and expect unreasonable delivery times and return policies.  ARM and ASA concluded that using more recycled parts would benefit both the recycling and repair industries, and that many of these obstacles to using recycled parts could be solved by improving communication and developing agreed-upon quality and service standards.

ARM and ASA are promoting and marketing the MICAR Plus program to their members to support the increased use of recycled parts.  To help address concerns about using recycled parts, a set of standards that include delivery requirements, return and credit policies, transaction procedures (digital photographs and body cut sheets upon request), and minimum written warranties (including an optional extended parts and labor warranty) were agreed upon.  To administer the program, complaint investigation procedures, an arbitration board, compliance audits, and mandatory training requirements were established.  Participating repair shops will attend special I-CAR training that explains the vehicle recycling process and promotes the use of more recycled parts.

Survey Here

“Tying warranties to the use of new, authorized replacement parts is illegal under the Magnuson-Moss Act,” said Wilson. “Several months ago we asked the FTC to review position statements by several automobile manufacturers that implied that recycled parts are lesser quality parts than new OEM parts and that there use could void a manufacturer warranty,” said Wilson.

ARA raised concerns with the FTC that the position statements of the automobile manufacturers might mislead consumers into thinking that using recycled parts in a repair could void their warranty. As a result, the FTC announced the update of a consumer alert entitled Auto Warranties, Routine Maintenance, and Repairs: Is Using the Dealer a Must? The revised alert specifically notes that the mere use of recycled parts does not void a warranty and that it is illegal for warrantors to void a warranty or deny coverage simply because a recycled part was used. An updated version of the alert can be found here.

Since 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (“ARA”) represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” automotive parts, and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA represents the interests of over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and fourteen other countries around the world. With programs such as the Certified Auto-motive Recycler Program (CAR) and other partnerships, ARA members continue to provide consumers with quality, low-cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a “greener” tomorrow.

To learn more about the Association, visit ARA’s Home Page at www.a-r-a.org or call (571) 208-0428.

In addition to recycled parts location, The Locator introduced the 25 Most Influential leaders within the automotive recycling industry in 2005.  They have continued to do so yearly, highlighting leaders from the most influential one-to-watch to the most influential innovator; the list goes on!

Automotive Recyclers of Michigan members have consistently been recognized for many of these Most Influential spots, including 3 in 2011.  Provided below is a snippet of each article followed by a link to view it in its entirety.

Congratulations to the Schram family of Schram Auto Parts, Jake Weller of Weller Auto Parts, and Scott Bosgraaf of Auto Sports Unlimited.  Keep up the great work!

Most Influential Family

“Mention the name Schram and you’d better have some time on your hands. You’re likely to get at least one story, and perhaps many, about the family’s 87-year history in the auto recycling industry.”  Read More

Most Influential Under 25

“A fourth-generation auto recycler, Jake Weller has always been surrounded by mentors, like his father Skip Weller, most influential teacher of 2005. He combines the knowledge he has picked up from them with his own ideals to bolster the family business, Weller Auto Parts, Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich.” Read More

Most Influential Facility

“They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but not in the case of the 240,000-square-foot headquarters of Auto Sports Unlimited in Zeeland, Mich.” Read More

East Bay auto parts is honored to host the 3rd Annual ARM Road Show & Business Networking Conference on location so that all who attend can benefit and gather ideas to use in their own operations.

The Road Show is the best way to network with your fellow recyclers in a relaxed and familiar environment.  Please come join us May 20-21, 2011 as we welcome you all to Northern Michigan.

We recently met with ARM’s Board to discuss how we can “go on offense” with some pro-active policy ideas.  Of course, we will continue to “play defense” on the salvage auto auction issue as we have done successfully for several years now.

Some of our ideas include:

• Allowing electronic record keep for “police books” regarding the sale of major component parts.  This likely requires a statutory change.
• Exploring the codification of the MICAR program.  A series of bills was recently signed into law which codified (recognized in state statue) the Michigan agriculture environmental assurance program (“MAEAP”).  MAEAP is a rigorous industry self-certification program similar in general concept to MICAR.  The new law would provide a measure of regulatory relief in permitting and other matters for those Ag industry members who meet MAEAP standards.  We are currently working with Barb Utter and ARM’s regulatory guru Dave Kendziorski to develop language for possible bill introduction.
• ARM Lobby Day in Lansing.  Look for an announcement soon for a date in the Fall for our 3rd Annual Lansing Lobby Day.

Morris Rose Auto Parts is a state-of-the-art automotive recycling facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We started out as a one-stall garage in 1940 and have continued to expand every since. We now have a facility that is over 30,000 square feet, with a staff of nearly 25 people. We sell quality new and used auto parts locally and globally. For more information on part availability search our website, or contact a Morris Rose Salesperson today.

Sales Contact Information

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) is the leading international trade association of professional automotive recyclers.  ARA represents 4,500 automotive recycling facilities in the United States and fourteen other countries around the world.  We proudly represent an industry dedicated to the environmentally efficient removal and reuse of automotive parts and the recycling of inoperable motor vehicles.  ARA aims to further the automotive recycling industry through various services and programs to increase public awareness of the environmental benefits of automotive recycling and to foster awareness of the industry’s value as a high quality, low cost alternative for the automotive consumer.

The North American Automobile Recycling Industry by the Numbers

• Recycling vehicles in the United States and Canada provides enough steel to produce almost 13 million new vehicles annually.
• Automotive recycling in North America saves an estimated 85 million barrels of oil a year that would have been used in the manufacturing of new or replacement parts.
• Total United States and Canadian annual revenue is estimated to be $22 billion.
• Automotive recycling businesses employ more than 100,000 people in the United States.
• Total annual payroll is estimated to be $3.3 billion in the United States.
• More than three quarters of all automotive recycling companies employ 10 or fewer people.
• Automotive recyclers provide wholesale and retail customers quality parts that range from 20 to 80 percent less than comparable new parts.
• Automotive recyclers are good corporate citizens.  Recyclers across the country host first responder training sessions at their facilities.  These sessions provide first responders with the opportunity to learn the new procedures required to free trapped victims from car crashes.

*Most recent ARA statistical data regarding the automotive recycling industry.