Two-Tier System for Rental Car Recalls?
Here’s something to keep in mind next time you drop into a Budget or Enterprise Rent-A-Car – The American Car Rental Association is pushing a two-tier system for vehicle recalls. So the next Ford Focus you rent could have a flaw they’re going to ignore. Well, maybe “ignore” is too strong a word. Let me explain:
This two-tier system would separate the major, life-threatening, accident-causing recalls from simple “probably won’t do anything” issues. If the recall is deemed urgent, cars will be sent for repair. If not, rental accompanied reserve the right to have those vehicles remain on their lots, and let customers pick them up.
The American Car Rental Association represents 94 companies, including all the major operators except Hertz, said Sharon Faulkner, its executive director.
Bob Barton, association president, said the word “recall” covered a wide range of issues. “We can’t determine the significance of a recall and whether a vehicle is no longer safe to operate or whether it can continue to operate and then should simply be brought in for service at some point in time,” he said. “We simply want the manufacturers to instruct us when a vehicle needs to be grounded and we will absolutely comply.”
Asked how recalls are handled now, Barton added: “If we get a notice that says the vehicle needs to be grounded, every company will set their own policy. But as a general rule I would suggest everybody would ground that vehicle.”
“Every company will set their own policy, but ultimately that repair will get done, but maybe not immediately.”
Yeah… this sounds like a great idea.
Read the full story at The New York Times
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