News Release

For Immediate Release
03-11-01

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

Automotive Aftermarket Invades Capitol Hill

Gaspar at Legislative Summit   NASCAR driver Steve Park (center) and his Congressman, Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.) (second from left) are joined on Capitol Hill by (l-r) AWDA Executive Director Jim Eady, AAIA President and CEO Al Gaspar, Walter Kittrell of Kittrell Auto Parts in Morehead City, NC, and Randy Lisk of the Automotive Parts Association of the Carolinas.

The automotive aftermarket made a strong showing on Capitol Hill this week during the Aftermarket Legislative Summit, as members of the sponsoring associations met with members of Congress and their staff. Representative Gary Condit (D-Calif.), speaking to attendees during a general session at the Washington Court Hotel, urged attendees to ask their Congressman to co-sponsor the Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act of 2001.

Participants were briefed on the five key issues to be discussed with Congressmen. They included:

  • Resolve the asbestos litigation crisis through a fair legislative solution.
  • Support legislation that promotes fairness and reasonableness in product liability cases.
  • Urge Congress to support a competitive market for the crash parts industry and resist attempts to restrict the use of aftermarket crash parts.
  • Promote the Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act of 2001 which permits car owners to choose the repair shop and the replacement parts necessary to service and maintain their vehicle.
  • Urge Congress to support full repeal of the estate tax or “death tax” which represents unfair taxation of assets already taxed.

The Legislative Summit was co-sponsored by:

Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA),
Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA),
Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA),
Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA)

   Rep. Condit
Aftermarket leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. on May 9-10, 2001 to voice concerns about upcoming legislation that will affect our industry.