During a recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC) technical presentation, SCRS board member and well-known I-CAR instructor Toby Chess demonstrated significant differences between a number of aftermarket structural parts and their OEM counterparts. The presentation, which illustrated the importance of structural part certification in the aftermarket, was witnessed by the CIC body, including a number of aftermarket part industry representatives.

During the week of Jan. 18, members of the Auto Body Parts Association (ABPA), the Taiwan Auto Body Parts Association (TABPA) and TABPA’s consultant, Karen Fierst, conveyed the seriousness of Mr. Chess’s findings to the two aftermarket part association boards. The board of directors of both associations independently decided to convey the CIC technical presentation findings to their respective members and advise them to stop selling and manufacturing non-certified structural parts.

“TABPA appreciates the efforts of Mr. Chess, SCRS and CIC in bringing these issues to our attention,” says TABPA Chairman Dr. Chiang Hsu, chief executive officer of TYC Group. “The presentation illustrates the importance of product certification. I am confident that our member companies will embrace structural part certification standards.”

TABPA consultant, Karen Fierst of KerenOr Consultants says, “As soon as the TABPA Board understood the potential risk to consumers they took immediate action. This is an excellent example of inter-industry collaboration to rectify a potential problem.”

“TABPA members want to be recognized around the world as the primary source of high-quality, aftermarket collision repair parts,” Hsu says. “Our association and members are prepared to take the necessary steps to achieve that goal. ”

TABPA is a sub-committee of the Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturer’s Association representing 22 Taiwan based companies manufacturing motor vehicle replacement parts for the global market. Member companies produce both OEM and aftermarket parts.