It has come to our attention that there is a misunderstanding regarding defective Takata airbags. The issue revolves around a perception that the OE Buyback program run by RAS is essentially the only program a recycler needs to be aware of and act on.
Our focus in this article is to clarify the role and responsibilities for Auto Recyclers:
- The Tread Act of 2000, makes it illegal to re-sell any recalled part and created penalties of $21K per instance of violation.
- The Recall program for Auto Recyclers can be broken down into two groups:
- The first group, referred to as the buyback program, belongs to those automakers who have contracted with RAS to provide funds to facilitate the identification, validation, recovery, transport and ultimate destruction of defective Takata airbags.
- The second group, considered the non-buyback, belongs to those automakers who have not contracted with RAS to offer a bounty within the auto recycling industry to retrieve these airbags. But their airbags are still on recall.
While we have pursued all affected Automakers (OE’s) to join the buyback program, we are happy to announce that we now have 10 Original Equipment Manufacturers representing 22 makes and 144 models with 15 years of coverage. A full list of makes, models and years can be found at coresupply.com. RAS will continue to engage other OE’s to join our effort to ensure that defective Takata airbags are not re-sold into the used parts marketplace.
Since January 2018, RAS has launched a massive awareness and education campaign for North American Auto Recyclers with our #yankthatbag campaign. In addition, RAS has developed a robust platform for recyclers to engage with the buyback program at rascorepro.com. At the same time, a number of industry partners have recognized opportunities to assist recyclers in identifying defective Takata airbags.
We have partnered with Hollander, URG developed a Hot Key, Buddy Automotive has introduced alerts into their Inventory software, and Car-Part has filtered defective airbags from being displayed on their platform. RAS is continually working with other software providers to enhance recyclers ability to mitigate the risk of airbags through technology while recouping labor costs through reimbursement.
The Takata airbag recall is the largest in automotive history so it naturally follows that tools and programs to help the end-of-life auto recycling industry respond will continue to evolve.
Final thoughts:
- Do the Right Thing – be diligent about running your VIN’s on rascorepro.com and safercar.gov
- Look after yourself, your family, and your customers. Run VIN Checks on their vehicles.
- Be Safe and Live Mas!
Katie the “Recall Gal” and Paul the “Recall Guy” represent the RAS Recall Team. Their Mission is to rid the planet of defective Airbags.
Want to join the Mission? Call our Recall Team 877-829-1553 x 160