Imitation Parts


	STATEMENT

*Contact:*	George Gilbert
	313-248-8639
	ggilber1@ford.com


	IMMEDIATE RELEASE


	June 1, 2004

USE OF NEW AFTERMARKET (IMITATION) COLLISION PARTS

Dearborn, Mich., June 1, 2004 – The use of new aftermarket (imitation) collision parts to repair collision damage to vehicles raises concerns about warranty and quality.

Imitation collision parts are not covered by Ford Motor Company’s new vehicle service part or corrosion warranty, or any variety of the Ford Extended Service Plan. In addition, any damage to or failure of a Ford part caused by the installation or improper performance of an imitation part is not covered by Ford Motor Company’s new vehicle service part or corrosion warranty, or any variety of the Ford Extended Service Plan.

However, the use of an imitation collision part for collision repair does not, in itself, void Ford Motor Company’s new vehicle service part or corrosion warranty, or any variety of the Ford Extended Service Plan. Warranty coverages for the rest of the vehicle, excluding the imitation part itself, remain in effect.

Ford believes the interests of vehicle owners and collision repairers are best protected when genuine Ford replacement collision parts are used to repair collision damage.


	STATEMENT

*Contact:*	George Gilbert
	313-248-8639
	ggilber1@ford.com


	IMMEDIATE RELEASE




			June 1, 2004


	USE OF NEW AFTERMARKET (IMITATION) COLLISION PARTS AND AIR BAG SYSTEMS

Dearborn, Mich., June 1, 2004 – Ford Motor Company is confident about the performance of air bag systems it designs and installs in its vehicles. However, Ford cannot be confident that its air bag systems and components will perform properly on vehicles that have been repaired with new aftermarket (imitation) collision parts.

Testing by Ford has shown imitation collision parts to be substandard in their fit and structural integrity. To our knowledge, no comprehensive testing has been conducted to verify that the performance of imitation collision parts -- particularly crucial front end parts, such as hoods, bumper reinforcements and header panels -- in front-end crashes will be compatible with Ford air bag systems.

Genuine Ford replacement collision parts are the same as those used on new vehicles, which have been crash tested and meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Because so little is known about the effect of imitation parts on airbag system and component integrity, Ford believes genuine Ford collision parts should be used for collision repairs to protect the interests of both collision repairers and vehicle owners.