News Release

For Immediate Release
AAIA-06-05-01

For more information, contact Rich White, (301) 654-6664.

EPA Proposal Mirrors SB 1146 Legislation
OEMs Required to Make Information and Tools Available to Aftermarket

BETHESDA, MD - June 5, 2001 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent proposal to revise its service information rule is good news for consumers, the environment and the aftermarket, according to the Automotive Parts and Service Alliance (APSA). The proposal requires car companies to make both emissions systems information and tools available to independent repair shops.

The proposal modifies EPA’s rules issued in 1995 and requires:

• all service and training information be available over the World Wide Web;
• that equipment and tool companies have access to information that permits the development of equipment with pass-through reprogramming capabilities;
• the availability to aftermarket scan tool manufactures of enhanced diagnostic information;
• that vehicle manufacturers make available to aftermarket service facilities manufacturer’s specific diagnostic tools;
• the accessibility of additional information regarding the functional characteristics of the OBD system, that will greatly assist technicians in making effective emissions- related repairs.

“This proposal, if finalized, will be a critical step toward ensuring that independent shops have access to the service information and tools that they will need to work on vehicles equipped with sophisticated on-board computers,” said Aaron Lowe, APSA government affairs vice president.

APSA is a joint effort of the government affairs departments of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).

“The proposal mirrors the information required in SB 1146 legislation sponsored by APSA and other aftermarket groups in California. “It is our hope that EPA and the California Air Resources Board will work together to ensure that an effective nationwide service information requirement can be put in place as soon as possible,” Lowe said.

“Vehicles equipped with on-board diagnostic systems, required in 1996, are already appearing in the independent aftermarket in larger numbers. A competitive aftermarket is imperative both for consumers and the environment,” said Lowe. “This proposal and the legislation in California will help guarantee it happens.”

APSA urges aftermarket companies to read the proposal and provide information to the EPA. A hearing is planned for July in Ann Arbor, Mich. Copies of the proposal can be found on EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/otaq/vehserv.htm.

About the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association:

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer’s representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket. AAIA formerly served the aftermarket as APAA and ASIA.

About the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association:

The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) was founded in 1947 and is the oldest organized group of warehouse distributors and their respective suppliers of parts, accessories, tools and other supplies for the automotive aftermarket. AWDA consists of more than 300 warehouse distributor manufacturer members, in addition to affiliate, marketing association and press members.