CYBERJAYA: Motorists will soon be able to source online used spare parts which meet international standards, according to the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI).
This will be made possible with the collaboration between MAI, an agency with the International Trade and Industry Ministry and Total Auto Parts Solution, a software solutions provider. The tie up is to pilot an e-commerce system called the TAPS system to the automotive aftermarket industry.
Describing it as a consumer-centric initiative, MAI chief executive officer Madani Sahari said motorists will be able to compare the prices of the "half-cut" and used spare parts dealers in the country and type of warranty extended before deciding on which workshop to head for.
There are 5,000 dismantling centres in the country, involving close to 30,000 people, which are expected to follow the standard operating practices (SOPs).
The TAPS system is in line with the government's aim to enhance the businesses and good practices of the automotive aftermarket sector and to promote motoring consumers' confidence in using used or remanufactured parts under the green automotive initiative in the reviewed National Automotive Policy 3.0. The policy is expected to be announced by the ministry soon.
Through this partnership, a pilot project using the TAPS system, offers a comprehensive system that provides on-line and real-time marketplace for the trading of quality use parts.
"The pilot system is now in the final stage, and we expect the full version of this system to be completed by January next year," Madani said at a media briefing here yesterday.
This system seeks to enhance efficiency in used and remanufactured parts trading as well as improving productivity at the workshop level.
Using the TAPS system improves the safety of motor vehicles and Madani said it can be extended to the end-of-life vehicles.
"These vehicles need to undergo road worthiness tests after the sixth year, for instance, at the inspection points where they would be required to repair and replace parts."
End of life vehicles are not about vehicles being considered as scrap, he clarified, saying that in automotive markets like Japan and Germany, insurance policies are renewed after the road worthiness tests.
And, if the tests fail, they can sell the parts to a recycling or remanufacturing centre.
MAI, which will help businesses conduct training in SOP for recycling centres, has identified the need for 20 more vehicle testing centres akin to Puspakom to be set up.
Malaysia has targeted RM2 billion recycled car parks to be exported by 2020.