July 27, 2011

ABPA today released the following statement following publication of a Volvo Service Manager Bulletin regarding the replacement of structural parts on Volvo vehicles:

The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) continues to advocate for the use of quality, safe alternative parts for consumer vehicle repairs, despite attempts by Volvo and other car companies to limit competition and promote their branded components as the best and only option. Crash testing by the ABPA at low and high speeds has conclusively demonstrated that aftermarket parts provide occupant protection well within the federal motor vehicle safety standards, that energy absorption in a crash is equivalent for aftermarket and car company parts and that aftermarket part performance is comparable and does not impact the timing or deployment of airbags.

These findings were presented by ABPA engineers in great detail at the March meeting of the Collision Industry Conference, and the ABPA invites Volvo to examine the test results at the following website to learn more about why aftermarket parts are a safe alternative for consumers [update: link no longer exists].