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Auto Recycler's Car Program Continues to Ride Wave of Success

7 March 2000

Auto Recycler's Car Program Continues to Ride Wave of Success

    FAIRFAX, Va., March 7 1999 was a record year for auto
sales in the U.S. But what happens when all of those vehicles reach the end of
their life cycle? Or are involved in an accident? ARA's Certified Automotive
Recycler Program (CAR) has been put into place by over 1,500 members
internationally, to address the environmental challenge of properly recycling
vehicles. The success of the CAR program with members and the industry
validates ARA's already aggressive movement to achieve positive results when
it comes to recycling autos. "We've enjoyed overwhelming success this year
with the CAR program," said ARA executive vice president Bill Steinkuller.
"And the program continues to grow, being adopted by more and more members."
    The CAR program owes much of its success to being the first comprehensive
program to establish measurable industry standards in areas such as
environmental compliance, operational safety and general business practices.
Members that are CAR certified, and provide a warranty with their parts, also
achieve Gold Seal status. Gold Seal is backed by the same group that certifies
ASE technicians, the Automotive Service Association (ASA).
    Given the fact that today's global market changes constantly, the CAR
program has also reaped added rewards from introducing a Registrar System
which continues to ensure that all quality standards remain constant at
certified facilities. In tandem with the previous regulations, it will be
mandatory that all members have the 3rd party registrars conduct the
inspections, thereby further ensuring full compliance.
    "The CAR program has led not only to increased sales, but more
importantly, it has led to a greater understanding, professionally, of our
business as a whole. Once customers understand what service we provide, they
better appreciate the value that quality recycled O.E.M. parts afford them,"
said Greg Freeman of Greg Freeman Auto Salvage Center in Joplin, Missouri, and
chairman of the ARA Certification Program. "The goal is to ultimately further
raise the bar for all ARA members." Doing so will inevitably raise the bar for
the industry as well as have a trickle down cost savings effect to vehicle
owners, insurance companies and repair shops, along with providing an equal
business standard, where smaller businesses can compete equally with larger,
consolidated businesses.
    These requirements have been such a success that the United Kingdom and
mainland European countries are considering adopting similar programs, based
on success in the U.S. Similarly, non-ARA members have noticed the success and
are inquiring how they can become members and subsequently adopt the CAR
program.
    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 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.
    To learn more, visit ARA's Home Page at http://www.autorecyc.org or call
(703) 385-1001.