Maryland House Bill 885 will establish criminal penalties for selling or installing substandard airbags in vehicles

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 , 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) supports Maryland House Bill 885, legislation that would make it a crime to knowingly sell or install counterfeit or substandard airbags in a vehicle. The Association has been working closely with bill sponsor Delegate Keiffer Mitchell Jr.'s office to provide technical expertise on the issue.

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"Counterfeit replacement airbags are a serious safety problem," said Mike Stanton, Global Automakers' president and CEO.  "We want to do everything we can to ensure that consumer's vehicles are repaired with airbags that operate as intended, meeting strict manufacturer and government standards."  

Last fall, Global Automakers and its members assisted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after the Agency discovered recent sales and installations of counterfeit airbags that posed a risk of serious injury to the public.

"Individuals who knowingly sell or install dangerous counterfeit and substandard airbags should be punished," Stanton said. "That is why we are working to pass legislation in Maryland and other states to bring attention to this important consumer issue."

The bill was referred to the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee. The Committee will hold a hearing on the legislation on March 1, 2013. Global Automakers will testify at the hearing. 

The Association of Global Automakers represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. We work with industry leaders, legislators, and regulators to create the kind of public policy that improves vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation, and protects our planet. Our goal is to foster a competitive environment in which more vehicles are designed and built to enhance Americans' quality of life. For more information, visit www.globalautomakers.org.

Contact: Annemarie Pender
202.650.5548 | apender@globalautomakers.org

SOURCE Global Automakers