Premiere of 'Gone In Sixty Seconds' Mirrors Real Life Auto Theft Problem, Says the Automotive Recyclers Association
14 June 2000
Premiere of 'Gone In Sixty Seconds' Mirrors Real Life Auto Theft Problem, Says the Automotive Recyclers Association
FAIRFAX, Va., June 14 Auto theft is taking a front seat in
this summer's blockbuster movie, "Gone in Sixty Seconds," but this hit movie
highlights the very pressing auto theft problem in the U.S. The Automotive
Recyclers Association (ARA) is working to enact legislation that would help to
sharply decrease auto theft by removing a very important element from the mix:
non-repairable vehicles.
"Frequently, vehicles that are severely damaged from an accident are
bought for top dollar at auctions for one thing- their VIN (Vehicle
Identification Number)" said Bill Steinkuller, Executive Vice President, ARA.
When demolished vehicles are bought for their VIN plate, frequently, a similar
make and model is then stolen, the wrecked car's VIN plate is affixed to the
stolen car, and then that stolen car has, for all practical purposes, a new,
totally legal identity.
ARA believes that any motor vehicle suffering damage that equals 100% of
its fair market value should be removed from the road and the VIN should be
"killed" to prevent any future use, thereby protecting innocent consumers from
vehicle fraud. Contrary to popular consumer belief, an overwhelming number of
totaled vehicles find their way back on the road -- 1,500,000 wrecked vehicles
a year are returned to the road in the U.S.
Founded in 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has
represented an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of
automotive parts, and the proper disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. With
programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler Program (CAR) and other
partnerships with automotive manufacturers, automotive recycling will continue
to provide consumers with quality, low cost alternatives for vehicle
replacement parts, while preserving our environment for tomorrow.
