AOCA Applauds NCWM's Adoption of Comprehensive Transmission Fluid Amendments Based on Sound Science & Healthy Competition
CHICAGO - July 25, 2017 -
What started as a calamity of unintended enforcement consequences in one state has turned into a win-win situation for consumers, automotive service providers, aftermarket manufacturers, and weights and measures regulators alike thanks to the National Conference on Weights & Measures (NCWM). On July 19th NCWM passed comprehensive transmission fluid amendments developed by the American Petroleum Institute, AOCA, and the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association in conjunction with NCWM's Fuels & Lubricants Subcommittee.
The primary shift of greatest impact is NCWM's official recognition of the performance-based standard most commonly referred to as "suitable for use." The new regulations-effective January 1, 2018-allow both OEM specification fluids and aftermarket fluids demonstrated to be "suitable for use" by performance evidence whether or not they meet the exact OEM specification recipe. Since approximately 92% of automotive services are delivered by aftermarket companies there has never been a practical way to distribute exclusively 100+ OEM-licensed products to meet all consumers' needs, let alone their preference for lower cost competition. Moreover, with transmission replacements amounting to only 1% of all automotive repairs on an annual basis, clearly aftermarket fluid manufacturers and installers have been taking care of business all along.
On September 12, 2017, AOCA will hold its first Transmission Fluid Subcommittee meeting to focus on ensuring all aspects of compliance with the new rules are made available to members.
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About the Automotive Oil Change Association
The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) is a non-profit trade organization with more than 600 members representing over 4,500 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.
