Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has vetoed HB 4344, which if passed would have banned the use of aftermarket and remanufactured parts within the state on vehicles less than five years old.
The decision was lauded by the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
“We commend Governor Snyder for this veto, which ensures motorists’ freedom of choice about their vehicle’s service and repair,” says Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “This is a major victory for our members, who spoke out against this measure and the harmful impact it would have had on the jobs and economic contributions that the full service aftermarket suppliers make to Michigan’s economy.”
“Governor Snyder’s action today preserves consumer choice and ensures robust and open competition in Michigan’s automotive service and repair sector,” adds John Chalifoux, MERA president and chief operating officer. “I am proud of our members who effectively voiced their concerns about the bill’s potential to impede competition and limit access to high quality remanufactured parts for Michigan drivers.”
In vetoing the bill, Snyder wrote to Michigan lawmakers, “I am unable to sign this bill because it overreaches in the limitation of aftermarket parts negatively impacting consumers and creating the potential for negative consequences for Michigan’s automotive industry.”
Full text of the Governor’s letter to Michigan legislators is available here.
