Global Automakers Applauds Council of State Government's Adoption of Counterfeit Airbag Legislation as Model Bill

WASHINGTON--Sept. 24, 2013: In another positive step forward in its efforts to protect consumers against the danger of counterfeit airbags, the Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) is pleased by the Council of State Government's (CSG) decision to adopt, as a model bill, a Connecticut law that makes it a crime to knowingly sell or install a counterfeit or nonfunctional airbag in a vehicle.

"Our Association has worked tirelessly to elevate this public safety issue to state legislatures," said Gordon Fry, Global Automakers' director of State Relations. "We are thrilled to see CSG's commitment to vehicle and consumer safety with its decision to promote Connecticut's counterfeit airbag law as a model bill for other states."

Global Automakers worked closely with the original sponsor of the Connecticut bill that was signed into law this summer, and pressed for its adoption as a model bill at CSG's annual meeting in Kansas City last week. The model bill will make it a felony offense for anyone to install, manufacture, import, reinstall, or sell counterfeit airbags. The legislation also prohibits installing a device to alter the vehicle's diagnostic system to make a counterfeit airbag appear to be functional.

"Counterfeit airbags in the marketplace pose risks of serious injury to the public, and thanks to the efforts of Global Automakers and its members, the states are now in a position to take action against these dangerous acts," said CSG Chairman and Mississippi State Legislator, Bobby Moak. "It is our hope that other states will follow Connecticut's lead and make people think twice before knowingly and intentionally manufacturing, selling, or installing fake airbags."

The Association of Global Automakers represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. We work with industry leaders, legislators, and regulators to create the kind of public policy that improves vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation, and protects our planet. Our goal is to foster a competitive environment in which more vehicles are designed and built to enhance Americans' quality of life.