The Northern Ireland Bodyshop Alliance (NIBA) says that lives are being put at risk in Northern Ireland because of the widespread use of cheap, replica car parts. The organisation which represents more than 50 independent bodyshops says it deeply concerned about driver and passenger safety after analysing the results of the region’s first major independent study into the issue.

The comprehensive report and analysis was undertaken by consultant engineer Alan Deering and commissioned by NIBA. It concluded that ‘Non-OEM’ car parts may not perform as well as manufacturer-approved parts if the vehicle is involved in an accident. Author, Alan Deering, said, “In this substantive study, and from the analysis and testing undertaken, it is my opinion that there were notable differences between OEM and non-OEM parts tested which may affect performance, and, ultimately, the safety of drivers and pedestrians. If it were my own car, I would request OEM parts.  I would certainly feel more comfortable with these than if non-genuine parts were fitted as the best quality can only be assured in this instance.”

NIBA said it had become common practice in recent years for insurance firms to order garages to replace damaged vehicle body parts with replica parts as a way to cut costs and that many consumers were wrongly assuming that the parts fitted in the aftermath of a collision were genuine. It is now campaigning to make consumers aware of the practice and bring it to an end.

During the study body panels were subjected to rigorous mechanical, chemical and microscopic testing to determine the findings. NIBA says significant differences were found between the OE and non OE panels. NIBA Chair, Richard Hastings, said, “Many car owners will no doubt be shocked to learn that insurance companies are trying to cut costs by having non-genuine parts fitted rather than the manufacturer’s parts after they have been involved in a collision.”