REP. G.K. BUTTERFIELD (D-N.C.) JOINS REP. ZOE LOFGREN (D-Calif.) AND ORIGINAL COSPONSORS IN SUPPORT OF “ACCESS TO REPAIR PARTS ACT”

Quality Parts Coalition Applauds Dedication to Preserving Consumer Choice and Competition in the Automotive Aftermarket

WASHINGTON — Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) joined Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) in support of the “Access To Repair Parts Act,” H.R. 3059, to ensure motorists continue to have access to low-cost, high-quality collision repair parts for their vehicles. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced identical legislation in the Senate, S.1368. Original cosponsors of the “Access to Repair Parts Act” include: Reps. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), William D. Delahunt (D-Mass.), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) and Charles A. Wilson (D-Ohio).

“It is critically important that consumers have access to quality, low-cost aftermarket auto parts,” Butterfield said. “The Access to Repair Parts Act provides a commonsense approach to affordable replacement parts.”

The continued decline in employment opportunities and the lingering economic slowdown are affecting nearly every American. Competition in the automotive aftermarket affords consumers a savings of up to $1.5 billion each year. But in recent years, the car companies have obtained an increasing number of design patents on visible crash parts, and patent enforcement actions have attempted to block competitors from producing and distributing affordable alternatives.

“The Automotive Aftermarket Association of the Carolinas & Tennessee is thrilled that Rep. G.K. Butterfield is cosponsoring this vital piece of legislation,” said Randy Lisk, executive vice president of AAACT. “As a voice for businesses in the Southeast, AAACT stands strong with Rep. Butterfield and the numerous ‘Access to Repair Parts Act’ supporters who are committed to its passage.”

Eileen A. Sottile, executive director of the Quality Parts Coalition added, “As the cost of auto manufacturers’ repair parts climbs higher, consumers could be forced to forgo necessary repairs to afford necessities such as healthcare and groceries.”

“The ‘Access to Repair Parts Act’ would amend Title 35, U.S. Code (Patents) so that it would not be an act of design patent infringement to make or distribute alternative repair parts (i.e. bumpers, fenders and hoods) used for the purpose of repairing a vehicle to its original appearance,” continued Sottile. “It’s time we bring the U.S. in line with the number of nations around the world that have adopted this approach.”

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The Quality Parts Coalition represents the interests of the independent parts industry, repairers, insurers, consumers and seniors. 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.

To learn how you can help, visit www.qualitypartscoalition.com.