Team PRP responds to CNN report

Feb. 27, 2015
Team PRP defends aftermarket and recycled automotive parts after a report on alleged steering of customers by insurance companies on Anderson Cooper 360 showed them in a negative light. 

A special investigative report recently aired on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360º” exposing the alleged “steering” of customers by insurance companies to pre-selected “direct repair facilities.”  This report alleged that insurance companies—specifically State Farm—directed repair work to facilities that made repairs with defective, unsafe used parts that minimized cost to the insurance company.

The segment’s attempt to bring to light a potentially dangerous scheme left viewers with faulty and damaging assumptions concerning the automotive recycling industry and available parts, said Team PRP in a statement following the report.

Throughout the segment, used repair parts were multiple times referred to as “junk” and “junkyard” parts. "This was not an accurate or just reflection of today’s automotive recycling industry, as none of the parts shown in the CNN report were OEM Recycled parts supplied by an automotive recycler," said Team PRP.

Team PRP would like to clarify the fact that the parts seen on that segment would never have met its own stringent quality control standards. In fact, in 2014, Team PRP facilities supplied repairers and consumers with nearly $1 billion in top quality OEM recycled parts. Their 140 facilities haveearned the respect of insurers, repairers, and consumers alike for their premium quality parts, excellent warranties, and professional services.

Team PRP is deeply disappointed by the unbalanced and irresponsible reporting evidenced in CNN’s presentation. "We echo the sentiments of the letter directed to CNN from Michael Wilson, CEO of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), which clearly identified several mischaracterizations and serious omissions, and asks CNN to retract their negative and erroneous depiction of recycled parts," Team PRP said.

"We wish to call upon the CNN “Anderson Cooper 360º” investigative team to present a more balanced follow-up story that not only corrects their fallacious and harmful misrepresentations, but further educates viewers on the profoundly positive impact that the automotive recycling industry has upon our global environment and the economy," the statement continued.  

High quality recycled parts offer a tremendous value in the marketplace. And as the original “green” industry, automotive recyclers repurpose approximately 95 percent of discarded automobiles, which include but are not limited to, premium recycled OEM parts, all fluids, precious metals, and various other scrap materials. Team PRP members take very seriously this mission to reduce, reuse and recycle these resources.

"Team PRP believes that CNN has the responsibility—and opportunity—to now rectify their harmful oversights and bring awareness to the undeniably beneficial role the professional automotive recycling industry plays," Team PRP's statement concluded.

ABOUT TEAM PRP
Team PRP is the largest national network of independent auto recyclers united in supplying premium recycled parts, exceptional warranties, and personal service to the mechanical repair and collision industries. With over five million parts in inventory, a Team PRP member can offer their customers the best warranties, quote guarantees and delivery guarantees available. Each member remains independent, ensuring exceptional personal service and competitive pricing.

Team PRP’s slogan states,Its time to re-think re-cycled!

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