For Immediate Release Media Contact:
Joanna Johnson
800.230.0702 [email protected] AOCA Applauds Connecticut for New Auto Warranty Law CHICAGO - July 10, 2015 - The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA) may be "old," but it's been buried beneath an avalanche of conflicting automaker messages for decades. Thanks to new Connecticut Public Act No. 15-230 first introduced by Senator Robert J. Kane and signed by Governor Dan Malloy this week, all new car dealers in the state are now required to provide the following written disclosure to consumers at the time of sale:
"The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 USC 2301 et seq., makes it illegal for motor vehicle manufacturers or dealers to void a motor vehicle warranty or deny coverage under the motor vehicle warranty simply because an aftermarket or recycled part was installed or used on the vehicle or simply because someone other than the dealer performed service on the vehicle. It is illegal for a manufacturer or dealer to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket or recycled part. If it turns out that an aftermarket or recycled part was itself defective or wasn't installed correctly and it causes damage to another part that is covered under the warranty, the manufacturer or dealer has the right to deny coverage for that part and charge you for any repairs. The Federal Trade Commission requires the manufacturer or dealer to show that the aftermarket or recycled part caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage."
For years, AOCA and other national organizations urged the Federal Trade Commission to address the consumer information gap by requiring automakers to disclose the MMWA's prohibition against tie-in sales up front. The Commission, however, declined. "Governor Malloy and the Connecticut General Assembly 'get it.' The AOCA appreciates their courage to take action," said AOCA President, Len Minco. "Consumers can't stand up for their rights unless they are aware of their rights." About AOCA
The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) is a non-profit trade organization with more than 1,200 members representing over 3,800 auto maintenance centers throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and many other countries around the world. The association was founded in 1987 to represent the convenient automotive service industry, and its mission is to provide its members with the business tools, resources and education to professionally and successfully deliver convenient automotive oil changes and other preventive maintenance services. AOCA is dedicated to enhancing the competency of fast lube owners, educating the public about the benefits of preventive automotive maintenance and maintaining a favorable business environment for the industry. AOCA members adhere to a Code of Ethics and a standard of service excellence. In addition, AOCA provides counsel on legislative and regulatory issues, represents the industry on Capitol Hill, develops research data on the convenient auto service market, and makes available a wide variety of business products and services to help members improve business operations. For more information, visit
www.AOCA.org.
|
