The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) have urged the Nevada State Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor to reject a proposed law that discourages the use of quality aftermarket parts.

The bill, A.B. 173, would prohibit an insurer from requiring the use of quality aftermarket parts for repairing a vehicle and discourages the use of aftermarket replacement parts for motor vehicles. In a letter addressed to Chairwoman Ellen Speigel, MEMA pressed the committee to oppose passage of the legislation in order to “preserve consumers’ choice in recognition of the high-quality, cost-effective options for motor vehicles.”

“If this bill passes, consumers will be faced with higher repair costs and fewer repair choices, and supplier manufacturing jobs would suffer due to less demand for aftermarket products. The U.S. automotive light vehicle aftermarket is a $246.7 billion industry that includes manufacturing, remanufacturing, distribution, retailing and installation of all vehicle parts, chemicals, tools, equipment and accessories. Most automotive aftermarket maintenance and repair work takes place in independent repair shops or at vehicle manufacturers’ dealerships,” MEMA stated in the letter.

The Commerce & Labor Committee is scheduled to hear testimony on the legislation at a meeting on Wednesday. The MEME letter will be part of the record of that meeting. MEMA and AASA sponsor an ongoing effort to stop legislation at state and federal levels that limit the right of a consumer’s to choose when repairing their motor vehicles.

Click to read the letter.