Apparently there is never enough choice choking regulation for some in our legislature.
Without written permission to spend less, your auto repair bill will cost you more.
Incredibly, that first line above was a last minute ‘fix’ in HB4344. Prior to it being added as an amendment by Pete Petallia, there was no wiggle room for any aftermarket part that wasn’t subjected to the extremes set up by the automakers to make their parts competitive. Meaning, if I wanted Miata wheels to replace the factory wheels on my Miata for any reason, I’d have to go through a lengthy process obtaining them EXCLUSIVELY from the manufacturer, creating time/effort hassles noone wants to deal with. The section of HB4344 addressing this:
House Bill No. 4344 as amended May 31, 2016
1 original warranty, or during the first 5 years of the vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, whichever is less, the motor vehicle repair facility shall replace the major component part, and a person that is an owner or operator of the motor vehicle repair facility shall ensure that the major component part is replaced, with 1 of the following:
(a) A new original equipment manufacturer part.
(b) A used or recycled original equipment manufacturer part.
(c) A part that meets any applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards established under 49 CFR 571, and meets the standards for parts recognized as OEM comparable quality as verified by the Certified Automotive Parts Association, NSFInternational, or another nationally recognized automotive parts testing agency.
(d) A part that does not meet subdivision (a), (b), or (c), if the facility is directed by the owner of the motor vehicle in writing to install that part.]
Michigan Capitol Confidential might be thanked for bringing this up originally.
Recognizing early on, the anti-competitive nature of the legislation, Cap Con pointed out that “Most of the changes are uncontroversial, but not so the provision relating to auto parts.” Had it not been for that early reporting, perhaps there would be ZERO options for consumers (by design).
Petallia, who sponsored the bill as a “consumer protection bill” failed like so many legislators have, to recognize the damage that increasing regulatory garbage like this does to the economy. Even with the last minute insertion (part d.) the shop owners must still maintain additional record keeping, and those seeking repair will pay more.
Add to this, there are hundreds of machine shops in Michigan that manufacture for the auto parts industry, with at least a small selection (16) listed specifically for aftermarket auto parts in the Thomas Registry.
Raise prices, put Michigan business owners out of work, reduce choices ..?
Pure Michigan nonsense.
(6)Nuh Uh.
(0)
Can't say it is a bad amendment nor, bill for new vehicles and quality mechanics. If one wants to be a cheap-ass, and not replace OEM, they are able to do as they please. Documentation is necessary, which nothing more than a contractual agreement.
So you think an additional regulatory burden is acceptable? Add another filing cabinet to keep track of permission slips right?
So you think putting a shit part on a vehicle without documentation, which mechanic will be forced to stand behind if customer is a cheap-ass, is acceptable? Tell us more about the made in China and Mexico shit you peddle...
Caveat Emptor.
I would prefer the customer to make his or her own responsible choices. There are plenty of quality parts made right here in Michigan that cannot be installed without a permission slip.
Interesting to note you have gone to the big government side.
Oh bullshit. You can stomp your hypothetical feet all you want, however, reality is a cheap-ass requesting in writing is nothing more than a contract agreement for using non OEM parts. If this is all you've got to hang your hat on, it's really low energy, which will fit nicely within status quo Lansing.
Kick it up a notch... cheap knockoffs used in accident claims to save the insurance industry a buck and, the non OEM parts rust out before your eyes. Almost have to threaten in writing with a lawyer to replace with OEM parts. They are a standard unique to each automobile manufacture for a reason.
I am not the one getting excited.
As for low energy? It merely one more notch in the over regulated environment which we live in. I get that you don't want to have to compete with Mexico or china, or that there is some sense that they are dumping substandard goods.
As for the insurance replacements? THAT can be settled on its own with legislation that requires insurers to inform their customers (It may well already be the case) that after market parts may be used.
Truth in service and contracts is sufficient, and serves free-market ideal sufficiently. Government restricting options is not healthy.
Excited... huh? What kind of passive-aggressive Cuck faggery is that shit you lead with? Dude, lighten up on the Calgary Ted poison pills before you end up writing op-eds with Paul Ryan on how wonderful TPP is for Americans.
So supporting choice and basic free market principles makes someone a "cuck" and a "faggot." Got it.
The Trumpkins aren't even trying to hide their deeply rooted statist beliefs anymore.
4344 does not limit your "basic free market" "choice," dumbass. Both of you are the kind of idiots Lansing begs for, especially, the insurance industry mafia.
Scales, are you like all those others who think tinkering with the market is OK, just that its been "done wrong?"
If you don't recognize that the pressure from aftermarket manufacturers keeps down prices of the OEM, then you don't understand markets.
As for the language and abusive BS .. cut the shit.
last warning.
"..As for the insurance replacements? THAT can be settled on its own with legislation that requires insurers to inform their customers (It may well already be the case) that after market parts may be used.."
They may not have to inform you..yet you have every right to request that at least OEM 'body' parts be used if a recent repair job that I had performed is any indication. Requiring OEM parts for NON-insurance work? This outrage doesn't surprise me one bit (or I am sure many others) and here is why:
99.9% of Michiganders (at least those who might become outraged at anything) have completely disengaged themselves from the entire political process during the most critical election cycle in our children's history..period
Case in point:
Somebody "doesn't like the looks of you" (despite allergies, sickness, emotionally upsetting incident, 'whatever') and demands that you submit to what amounts to genetic testing right there on the side of the road or sidewalk. Either do what we say immediately 'or else'.
Our legislator's vote to submit their constituents to this 110% unconstitutional invasion of their bodies for no other reason than a "highly trained" SUSPICION???
Why..UNANIMOUS..of course!! (so "on to the House" and the Nerd's signature DURING the upcoming lame duck sessions, no doubt).
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=732930
The grassrooted masses are (finally) on the run/flat out AFRAID to pick up their torches or pitchforks this summer/fall (transgenders LEERING in our children's bathrooms was their successfully floated 'final' trial balloon) and these bastards (now) know it.
Absolutely NOTHING will be "out of bounds" between now and when the next (oh-so-popular) term-limited bunch begins our 2017 legislative sessions and EVERYONE knows it.
We're all simply ashamed to let our kid in on these debates or take it to the streets/schools ourselves lest they (finally) take THEIR outrage to those stages themselves (in other words, we are ALL pathetic).