---

Auto Recyclers Voice Concern Over Proliferation of 'Dummy' Airbags

8 September 2000

Auto Recyclers Voice Concern Over Proliferation of 'Dummy' Airbags

  Problem Emphasizes Need to Economically Viable Alternatives for Consumers

    FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 8 Recent media stories have called
attention to phony or "dummy" air bag modules being installed in motor
vehicles.  Thus, consumers are deceived and expose themselves and their
families to precisely the dangerous risks from which they had sought
protection.  ARA condemns this fraudulent, potentially deadly practice.
    A major factor in these replacement choices is OEM airbag replacement
costs -- so high that many consumers cannot afford them; therefore, they turn
to using these "dummy" covers to cosmetically fix the problem --- highlighting
the need for greater use of recycled airbags.  While the use of a "dummy"
airbag cover is extremely unsafe, one can understand why some individuals
choose to "fix" the problem this way.  In reality, replacement of new OEM air
bags can cost $1,000 - $3,000 or more, each, which can simply be too much for
consumers to afford, while an undeployed, recycled OEM airbag typically
averages around $400.  State and federal law may be silent on the question --
still, ARA would hope that consumers step carefully, bearing in mind that air
bags are a proven boon to highway safety.
    Consumers facing the airbag replacement question should at least know
there are equal-quality competitive alternatives to the highest-price
solution, and ARA believes insurers and repairers should be alert to the
opportunity that recycled, undeployed OEM airbag modules offer to consumers
during the difficult period when they need them most.
    As a cost effective alternative, ARA stands by the use of undeployed,
recycled OEM airbags as viable, economical and safe alternatives to more
costly OEM airbags.  "When properly evaluated, handled, shipped and
professionally installed, we believe this is a cost effective option for a
consumer," said Bill Steinkuller, Executive Vice President of ARA, "but more
importantly, we also believe that based on research, this is a safe
alternative as well."
    The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Canada's largest auto
insurer, through independent testing, concluded recycled airbags were "equal
to OEM replacements in reliability, and performance", and John Gane, Manager
of vehicle safety research at ICBC, stated that recycled airbags will be in
use shortly once training is completed.  ARA also commissioned comprehensive
safety tests on recycled, undeployed OEM airbag modules.  "These tests
confirmed what we suspected in regards to undeployed, recycled OEM air bag
safety.  Hopefully, it assures consumers as well." Steinkuller said.
    Founded in 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has
represented an industry dedicated to efficient removal and reuse of automotive
parts, and proper disposal of inoperable motor vehicles.  With programs such
as the Certified Auto Recycler program (CAR) and working relationships 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.
    For more about ARA, and ARA's statement on use of recycled airbag modules,
visit http://www.autorecyc.org or call 703-385-1001.