cussion. Soft whispers to a neighbor were evident as topics spurred side-discussions.

One rather lengthy dialogue centered around OEM position statements that often contain language to consumers that warn against the use of recycled auto parts in repairs. Several statements of real con- cern were reviewed and concerning to the recy- clers. The general conclu- sion was summed up that “without all auto recyclers involved, there will be no real progress in our ef- forts to change this,” says Sandy Blalock, industry advocate.

Another topic of con- cern was that the consum- er has no real control over

the data in the cars they own, and they don’t even real- ize that it limits their real options. The feeling was that empowering consumers to understand why they need access to their own car data could move the needle to unlock data to everyone, including recyclers, both in getting the OEM build sheet data, and the recyclers own data as a resource for selling parts. The concept that recyclers should share data more with each other

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING • March-April 2018

was also mentioned in order to get metrics for other recyclers and to help them in their businesses. The bottom line consensus was: OEMs likely won’t share information, and we need to come up with ways to get at that data as it won’t be just given to the in- dustry. “We have to study, educate ourselves, compete, follow technology, study the market,” comment- ed one attendee. “We gotta compete,” noted Nordstrom. On Capitol Hill, the top lobbyist groups are OEMs and the second is insurance groups. “They spend millions of dollars a year to get their agen- da approved in Washing- ton, getting results be-

cause of their lobbying efforts,” says Nordstrom. “We need to make our dollars count so that we are viable to those guys in Washington.”

Several international attendees echoed the senti- ments in the room. “We have the same interests,” not- ed a leader from the Polish delegation. “In talking to different members, thirty yards have gotten together to do some things. I also see buying groups etc., and

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