Changing Vehicle Technology.

How will it effect the use of recycled parts?

The past 15 years has shown enormous changes in vehicle technology.  Many recyclers are asking how this and future trends will effect the supply of valuable salvaged parts.  They point out that governing bodies such as our LTNZ are making the recycling of many parts difficult by imposing rules that effectively encourage the use of new parts because the new technology is not fully understood.  Safety restraint systems are an example. 

The vehicle manufacturers face growing pressure from legislators worldwide to improve vehicle safety and to make them more environmentally friendly. There is also consumer pressure and the normal demands of competition to make ones product more attractive or better. As a result the manufacturers have worked very hard in every area of vehicle design and technology.  Some of their efforts have involved improved quality, more comfort, less noise, more power, better handling, more fuel efficient, improved safety, better design.  The result is vehicles are more complex, more difficult to repair and cost more to restore to their original standards. 

Repairers are having to train in the use of new materials and repair methods. Specialist technicians are required to deal with electronics and other sophisticated new technology. However they are coping very well and there is no question of modern vehicles becoming too complex to repair. After all, the vehicle was man made in a factory from known materials so there will always be someone else who can repair it.  The biggest problem seems to be from bureaucrats who do not understand how things work and wish to stop practical people from fixing them.

Recycling is a very responsible activity. The world needs more recyclers of every product. It assists with the preservation of raw materials, is environmentally friendly, helps national economies and reduces consumer prices. Given these very good reason to recycle, it should be encouraged more in the future.  The challenge to vehicle parts recyclers to keep abreast of the technology. We must be aware of all of the issues and work to responsibly supply high quality product that is fit for purpose and to the required standards.  APIA has developed codes of best practice that help vehicle salvage recyclers to provide the product and service the repair industry needs.