AAAA questions genuine parts campaign

A new brochure commissioned by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), aims to fact-check recent assertions by the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) in connection with 'genuine' replacement parts.

Named 'The Truth about Genuine Parts', the brochure presents the case for what the FCAI would term 'non-genuine' parts. The initiative has been driven by AAAA research that indicates workshop technicians working for dealers appointed by vehicle distributors are frequently unable to define 'genuine' parts. Furthermore, according to the association, they don't know whether the parts they're using are actually manufactured by the car companies, or whether fitting aftermarket parts would void the new-car warranty.

"If the industry cannot answer these questions accurately, what hope do car owners have?" asks AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity, who argues that for "many years" it has been in the interests of car importers and manufacturers to promote genuine parts – ie: sold through the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supply chain. Promotion has been based on a "myth" that parts not supplied by the OEM place at risk the car's warranty coverage.

"Most consumers are completely unaware that they have extensive statutory rights under Australian Consumer Law when buying a new car. Car companies cannot restrict these rights by forcing car owners to use their dealerships and branded parts when servicing their new car," Charity was quoted as saying in a press release.

"The AAAA believes in free and open competition as the best way to ensure that all Australian car owners have access to affordable, high quality repairs and parts.

"To achieve this we must ensure that consumers have access to factual information, so they can exercise their statutory rights under Australian Consumer Law. To help deliver the facts to consumers, the AAAA has initiated an educational campaign for independent aftermarket workshop operators."

Charity noted that many parts supplied in 'genuine' packaging by the OEMs are actually manufactured by third-party companies, not the OEM itself. These same parts, sold in packaging without the OEM's branding would be considered 'non-genuine'. Any component sold in Australia, whether genuine or non-genuine, must comply with the tenets of Australian Consumer Law. And among those tenets, the component must be fit for purpose.

Charity stressed that no OEM would be liable for the failure of an aftermarket replacement part. Only the supplier of that part would be liable if it failed prematurely, or caused damage to the vehicle. No liability rests with the OEM or its dealer network, which implies that the interests of the FCAI and its members are based around lost revenue more than cost to consumers.

The AAAA is disseminating the brochure from a web address and invites workshop owners and operators to download it for further information.

Further information:
Car servicing explained
Success for Toyota in counterfeit parts war
Industry demonstrates aftermarket parts risk
Safety first: FCAI urges use of genuine parts