International agreement an important milestone in further development of a growing industry

FRANKFURT, Germany – September 13, 2016. The remanufacturing industry, which specializes in sustainable manufacturing, announces today that six leading associations with members in the automotive sector have reached a common understanding of basic definitions associated with their industry. The move is a tremendous step forward in the industry’s quest to raise awareness and acceptance of remanufactured products.

The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Parts Remanufacturers National Association (ANRAP), European Organization for the Engine Remanufacture (FIRM) and Remanufacture Committee of China Association of Automobile Manufactures (CPRA), all aligned on a common set of descriptions which define the industry.

“For many years, the lack of a common understanding within the sector has led to vigorous debate, misunderstandings and lack of a unified movement,” stated Roberto Vavassori, CLEPA President.

“Today we have broken through these barriers, not just in one country, but internationally, with six of the world’s leading authorities on the subject commonly agreeing on what defines us.  It’s a giant step forward for a global and ever-growing industry,” explains Salvador Munoz Zarate, General Manager of WABCO Reman Solutions and delegate of CLEPA to the Basel Convention.

The six associations have converged on the following two definitions:

o    REMANUFACTURING PROCESS:

·         Remanufacturing is a standardized industrial process* by which cores are returned to same-as-new, or better, condition and performance. The process is in line with specific technical specifications, including engineering, quality and testing standards. The process yields fully warranted products.

 *An industrial process is an established process, which is fully documented, and capable to fulfil the requirements established by the remanufacturer.

o    CORE:

·         A core is a previously sold, worn or non-functional product or part, intended for the remanufacturing process. During reverse logistics, a core is protected, handled and identified for remanufacturing to avoid damage and to preserve its value. A core is not waste or scrap and is not intended to be reused before remanufacturing.

In addition, European associations had previously agreed to the following definition applicable in Europe:

o    REMANUFACTURED PART:

·         A remanufactured part fulfills a function which is at least equivalent compared to the original part. It is restored from an existing part (CORE), using standardized industrial processes in line with specific technical specifications. A remanufactured part is given the same warranty as a new part and it clearly identifies the part as a remanufactured part and states the remanufacturer.

“The increased use of remanufactured products around the world is accelerating an international drive towards a circular economy,” adds John Chalifoux, President and Chief Operating Officer of MERA. “Today’s announcement of a common understanding among the associations will further help the industry communicate the quality, value and sustainability benefits of remanufactured goods.”

“Remanufacturing, which has been around for several decades, has gained greater awareness more recently with governments,” stated Steve Handschuh, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), the parent of MERA.

The U.S. Congress demonstrated its understanding and acceptance of remanufactured motor vehicle parts by passing the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act of 2015. The Act—signed into law by President Barack Obama—requires federal agencies to prioritize the use of remanufactured components when servicing the federal civilian vehicle fleet, if those parts reduce cost while maintaining the quality of the vehicle.

The G7 Alliance for Resource Efficiency was launched by the heads of state and government at their summit at Schloss Elmau, Germany on June 7 and 8, 2015. Within this declaration the G7 members committed themselves to support the circular economy and remanufacturing. At the kick-off event, all G7 countries were represented by delegations comprising representatives of governments, business, trade unions and research/science. The European Commission was also represented at the conference.

“These are clear indications that remanufacturing is more and more on the agenda of governments,” points out Peter Bartel, Vice Chairman of the APRA Europe Board. “Today’s decision will enable us to speak with one voice, enabling us to better present our views and solutions around sustainability to our customers, relevant organizations, policymakers and governments around the globe.”

"As we are in a global economy with global product platforms, the best way to protect our raw materials, environment and to keep quality product affordable for consumers as well as being a service solution, is through remanufacturing. These definitions clearly lead us into that direction," declared Joe Kripli President of APRA.

The six associations invite other organizations to support the industry by recognizing the above international definitions.

About CLEPA

CLEPA is the European Association of Automotive Suppliers. 116 of the world's most prominent suppliers for car parts, systems and modules and 23 National trade associations and European sector associations are members of CLEPA, representing more than 3 thousand companies, employing more than 5 million people and covering all products and services within the automotive supply chain. Based in Brussels, Belgium, CLEPA is recognised as the natural discussion partner by the European Institutions, United Nations and fellow associations (ACEA, JAMA, MEMA, etc.). For more information please visit: www.clepa.eu or contact a.distefano@clepa.be

About MERA

The Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) is the remanufacturing and sustainability division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), which has been advocating on behalf of the motor vehicle supplier industry since 1904. At MERA, our mission is to advance the remanufacturing industry and the business interests of our members. Our network of remanufacturers, suppliers, universities and professional services firms promotes the circular economy, specifically the environmental, economic and product performance benefits of remanufactured goods. Learn more at MERA.org.

Contact: John Chalifoux - jchalifoux@mera.org - +1 248 750 1280

About APRA

APRA is a non-profit, international trade association serving over 1,000 companies involved in the $35 Billion/year motor vehicle parts rebuilding/remanufacturing industry.  Remanufacturing is the ultimate form of recycling. www.apra.org

Contact: Joe Kripli –President -  kripli@apra.org - +1 248-318-5716

About ANRAP

The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers National Association (ANRAP) is a non-profit association. It was founded two decades ago with de mission to spread remanufacturing concept in Brazil. The association highlights all advantages through the use of remanufactured products, such as high-quality maintenance and automotive lifetime expansion. Additionally, remanufacturing sector has a relevant role as great contribution to the global sustainable program by reuse, recycle and reduce material consumption across its process. Amongst the current associates are BorgWarner, Cummins, Delco Remy, Eaton, Garrett, Knorr-Bremse, Schaeffler Brazil (LuK Division) and WABCO. For further information, please, access: www.anrap.org.br.

Press Contact : Claudia Lima Oxy News | PR Agency - +55 19 9 9779-0040 | claudia.lima@oxy.com.br

About FIRM

Founded in 1958 in Vienna, FIRM is the European umbrella organisation representing the interests of engine remanufacturers and rebuilders. 10 national trade associations representing more than 1000 engine remanufacturers and rebuilders are members of FIRM. Based in Brussels, FIRM is a recognised discussion partner of the European Institutions, fellow associations across the world (AERA, APRA, NZERA etc.) and other international & European trade federations of automotive sectors

Communication: Volker Schittenhelm - communication@firm-org.eu -  Secretariat: Frédérique Daublain - secretariat@firm-org.eu

About CPRA

The Remanufacture Committee of China Association of Automobile Manufactures (CPRA) is established in April 2010 at Beijing with the approval of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China. CPRA is a non-profit social organization, and has established and maintained close relations with international and domestic automobile industry organizations and automobile-related organizations, such as PERA, APRA, Europe Automobile Parts Remanufacturing Association, Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society, National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Contact: Mr. Jianjun Xie  - General Secretary -  +86 133 1113 9962 - xiejianjun@remanchina.org