A group of state and national aftermarket trade associations is challenging what it calls "anti-competitive regulations promulgated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)."
Regulations would require car companies to extend emissions warranties "for parts found defective by emissions warranty information reporting requirements," say officials from the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, one of the plaintiffs.
"The action by CARB to extend warranties to the useful life will cause extensive economic damage to independent aftermarket service facilities in the state and is unlikely to provide any real clean air or consumer benefit," says Jackie Miller, executive director, Automotive Service Councils of California, another member of the coalition.
"Because car owners will have no idea whether a needed repair that is indicated by the malfunction indicator light is covered by the extended warranty, motorists will return to the dealer for nearly all repairs."
