Automotive Business Review — February 2018

WHAT’S THE BUZZ

T

he hotly debated draft code of conduct for the motor industry

has once again brought into the spotlight the issue of original

parts. Director of Right to Repair SA (R2RSA), Les Mc Master,

says for years an impression has been created for consumers

that original parts can only be obtained from Original Equipment

Manufacturers (OEMs), that they are superior parts, and independent

workshops deal in inferior or ‘pirate parts’.

“The reality is that probably 99% of the parts required for repairs

(excluding accident repairs) and maintenance are manufactured by a

great number of Original Equipment Suppliers (OES) such as Bosch,

Mahle, GUD, among others. Consumers need to know that OEMs

buy these same parts off the

assembly line, by commission,

and sell them to the aftermarket

repackaged with their logo on

them,” says Mc Master.

These same parts from the OESs

and the same production lines

are available to the independent

aftermarket, namely

independent repair workshops.

These manufacturers produce

for the independent aftermarket

according to the same quality

standards, and are referred to

as ‘parts of matching quality’.

He says motorists should

educate themselves about

car parts as these can end

up costing a fortune if they

don’t know of better-value

Les Mc Master...consumers should

educate themselves about car parts

Don’t be Duped by the Car Parts Deception

alternatives to OEM or original parts. “A car is a big investment so

obviously we want to know we’re getting the best possible quality

when it comes to parts.”

“Aftermarket parts are a good option, especially if your car is three to

four years old. Naturally there are inferior parts out there but by sticking

with brands you know and those recommended by a reputable,

accredited workshop that is familiar with your vehicle and uses the

right products and parts, you can get the same performance out of

aftermarket parts versus OEM and original parts, at a lower cost,”

says Mc Master.

He adds that the aftermarket also has the advantage of access to parts

with an improved design. “After a vehicle has been on the market for

a few years it becomes apparent what parts fail and for what reason.

A quality parts producer will redesign the part, correcting the fault

that only becomes apparent after the part is used in on-the-road

conditions, thereby providing a part that will perform to the exact or

better standard than the original part.”

Another plus for motorists is that there are many companies that

produce aftermarket parts and variety means a better price range for

the independent workshop owner when sourcing parts. And, with such

a big supplier pool, the parts are readily available.

Mc Master concludes that the new car market in South Africa

unfortunately still burdens consumers with warranties which dictate

the use of original parts. “In many fi rst-world countries, this is a thing

of the past and consumers are free to use aftermarket parts in their

vehicles without aff ecting the warranty. This is the kind of change we

desperately need in South Africa and which is why R2RSA is at the

forefront of lobbying for change and legislating the Right to Repair

initiative in South Africa. Right to Repair has been advocated and

legislated in fi rst-world countries around the world since the early 80s.

It promotes consumers having the right to choose where their vehicles

are serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive prices in the

workshop of their choice.”

This is a burning issue that Right to Repair SA is trying to tackle

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Caelex-Chris Auto Electrical

212 SOUTTER STREET, PRETORIA WEST

(012) 327 5404

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Chris Auto ElectricalChris Auto ElectricalChris Auto Electrical

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