WASHINGTON, D.C. –Terry Heffelfinger, director of product engineering, R&D, and quality for Affinia Global Brake and Chassis, will testify today before the California Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, offering comments on SB 346, a bill that would mandate a reduction in the use of copper in brake products.
Heffelfinger will testify on behalf of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA); Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), affiliate associations of MEMA; the Brake Manufacturers Council, an operating council of AASA; and the Heavy Duty Brake Manufacturers Council (HDBMC), an operating council of HDMA.
“While we understand the intent of the bill, we oppose the bill as it is currently written,” said Bob McKenna, MEMA’s president and CEO. “We hope that the Committee will recognize that further amendments are needed to allow for practical implementation of its provisions.”
Heffelfinger will raise the following key points: - The 2025 deadline provided for in the bill does not allow suppliers and vehicle makers to collaborate in the introduction of acceptable new brake systems that meet customer expectations for stopping power and brake system performance and
- The Committee should consider a timeline that allows for sufficient R&D to test, validate and verify the manufacture of safe and effective brake materials.
Additionally, Heffelfinger will comment that the bill needs a viable "off-ramp" assessment period to accommodate unforeseen circumstances that may delay compliance with the 0.5 percent copper limit as well as changes to the inventory run-off and certification process. Also, as the overall goal from all stakeholders is to improve water quality in highly populated urban watersheds, the California Legislature should consider a broad based and relevant funding mechanism to cover the bill's implementation costs. “MEMA has been very involved with the bill since its introduction,” McKenna said. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to testify before the committee and hope our points will be taken into consideration. The legislation must create a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of brake manufacturers and the challenges facing California. The result will be a more workable bill for brake manufacturers that still meets the necessary environmental objectives,” he added. ABOUT MEMA
Suppliers manufacture the parts and technology used in domestic production of new cars and trucks produced each year, and the aftermarket products necessary to repair and maintain more than 248 million vehicles on the road today. MEMA supports its members through its three affiliate associations, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). MEMA represents more than 650 member companies with global motor vehicle parts sales exceeding $600 billion and 65 percent of North American automotive supplier sales. For more information on the motor vehicle parts supplier industry, please visit www.mema.org. ABOUT AASA
AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products. It is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is an affiliate association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, Leadership in the Global Automotive Aftermarket.” ABOUT HDMA
The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) has served the strategic needs of its 180+ member companies and the commercial vehicle industry since 1983. A market segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), HDMA’s mission is to be the industry’s primary advocate for the members of the commercial vehicle supplier community. With a continuous focus on its members, HDMA strives to advance the image and interests of the industry and its member companies. More details are available at www.hdma.org. ###
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