I have refrained from comment on the friction between aftermarket and OEM for some time because I obviously have a bias toward the use of 100% OEM collision parts. In an attempt at full disclosure, our organization, Assured Performance Network, believes so much in the value of OEM, we are the company driving the rebate rewards program known as 100% Write. However, the decision to move in that direction, our logic, and philosophy is worth noting as others debate the recent issues surrounding the use of aftermarket parts and structural safety issues.
The foundation of our national network (Assured Performance Network) is our consumer advocacy. We are consumer focused, but try to always be insurance friendly whenever we can. The cornerstone of our consumer focus is our Collision Care marketing program. Logic follows that we cannot tell a consumer we are their advocate and we will give them a superior experience if our shops are pushing imitation parts on a new model vehicle. That would be the height of hypocrisy and counter-intuitive. To ensure the best repair, we can make an easy and clear decision to use 100% OEM collision repair parts – period! But this most recent controversy surrounding structural parts goes much further than our rule of thumb. This new issue surrounding structural parts is a matter of life or death!
