Information for Collision Shop Owners
Vehicles repaired with imitation parts can damage relationships. Owners of GM cars and trucks are accustomed to the quality, durability and reliability of their original vehicle. Naturally, they expect nothing less from their collision replacement parts. So use GM Collision Parts -- the parts built and tested to fit and perform right. Your customers will certainly thank you with their repeat business and referrals.
For more information on genuine GM Collision Parts, click on the following links:
GENERAL MOTORS POSITION STATEMENTS REGARDING COLLISION REPAIR
GENERAL MOTORS POSITION STATEMENT ON THE CRASH PERFORMANCE DESIGN IN THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, GLASS AND SHEET METAL
GENERAL MOTORS POSITION ON THE INSTALLATION OF STOLEN OR USED SALVAGE AIR BAG SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS
GENERAL MOTORS POSITION STATEMENTS REGARDING COLLISION REPAIR
WARRANTIES
General Motors' vehicle factory warranties transfer when repairs are completed with new genuine GM Parts. The use of used salvage and/or imitation/counterfeit parts is not covered by the GM factory transferable limited warranty on that part and all adjoining parts and systems that are caused to fail by these parts.
USED SALVAGE
GM is an environmentally conscious corporate citizen. We understand the merits of recycling and have initiatives underway within the Corporation that promote it. Additionally, we are concerned about our customers maintaining GM vehicle image, value, functional and safety systems, and transferable factory warranties. Since GM does not warrant used salvage parts, we want to make sure consumers are aware of the consequences of having used salvage parts installed on their vehicles. At this time, we believe there are no systems in place to regulate the quality of used salvage parts in the market. Therefore, we are concerned about improper use of used salvage parts, i.e., wrong application, as well as use of damaged materials.
IMITATION PARTS
GM does not support or recommend the use of any imitation part. Many independent and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) studies have documented the lesser quality of imitation repair parts. Use of imitation parts may diminish the value of the vehicle at resale. Also, studies have shown that the OEM replacement parts are designed to meet defined quality, safety and appearance specifications that are not replicated on imitation parts. Imitation parts are not covered by the GM factory transferable limited warranty on that part and all adjoining parts and systems that are caused to fail by these parts.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (SIR) SYSTEMS
Due to the critical nature of the design of Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) systems, GM does not support the use of any used salvage or imitation parts for repair. Only new genuine GM warranted parts should be used in repair. (General Motors Approved: June 29, 2000)
GENERAL MOTORS POSITION STATEMENT ON THE CRASH PERFORMANCE DESIGN IN THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, GLASS AND SHEET METAL
The overall structural integrity and crash performance provided by a vehicle is dependent on its inherent design specifications and how well it is assembled. The vehicle's structural components, glass and sheet metal are important in the design of specific crush zones in the vehicle. These crush zones allow the energy of the crash to be absorbed in a predictable way to help maintain the integrity of the occupant safety cage and maximize the benefits of the restraint system. Testing done to assure compliance with Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as well as GM's own internal guidelines, confirms that the proper design and assembly specifications are in place prior to allowing vehicle sales.
In the event that crash-related repairs are necessary, new genuine GM Collision Parts used and installed according to GM specified procedures will help assure that the vehicle is restored to pre-crash condition and that any subsequent crash performance is not compromised. The crash performance of non-GM Parts is not known to GM. Also, non-GM or used salvage parts are not covered by GM's new vehicle factory or extended warranties and may void those warranties on any GM adjoining parts or systems that fail as a result of the use of non-genuine GM Parts. (General Motors Approved: December 7, 1998)
GENERAL MOTORS POSITION ON THE INSTALLATION OF STOLEN OR USED SALVAGE AIR BAG SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS
Due to the critical nature of the design of Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) systems, a.k.a. air bag systems, GM does not support the use of any stolen, used salvage or imitation parts for repair. Only new genuine GM warranted parts should be used in repair.
Proper operation of the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) systems requires that any repairs to the vehicle return it to the original production configuration and performance. Never use SIR parts from another vehicle.
The reasons for this policy and practice within GM include the following:
Occupant Protection
Air bag system components are carefully developed and specifically tuned to interact in a precise fashion that produces optimum performance. Corresponding SIR system components from other models may appear similar from the outside, may even fit the vehicle, but different internal elements or calibration may result in degraded restraint performance.
Regulatory Compliance
All GM vehicles are designed and built to meet or exceed all applicable motor vehicle safety standards. Use of SIR components other than those specified could result in degraded occupant protection performance and a vehicle configuration that no longer meets applicable safety standards.
Reliability
SIR components are designed, manufactured and installed to assure reliable performance for the life of the vehicle. Reuse of salvage components brings into question the conditions under which the components were obtained and stored prior to use. Components could have been damaged or stored under unfavourable conditions that could compromise performance and reliability.
In summary, new GM Parts remain General Motors' recommendation on collision repair involving air bag systems and components. These new parts are consistent with the vehicle factory warranty and extended warranty programs, which the customer has paid for either in the price of the vehicle, or as a separate service contract. The air bag system can best be returned to designed and tested production standards when new original equipment parts are used.
General Motors of Canada Limited
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Oshawa, ON L1H 8P7
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