The Common Terminology of Automotive
APRA, in conjunction with the major international organizations that represent the automotive remanufacturing sector, has agreed on fundamental and common definitions of essential terms relating to remanufacturing. This was done following a meeting held on September 13, 2016 in Frankfurt, Germany. The following are the definitions that were agreed upon:
REMANUFACTURING – PROCESS
Remanufacturing* is a standard industrial process* that restores cores to the same condition as new or better. The process adheres to specific technical specifications, including engineering, testing, and quality standards. The process produces fully warranted products.
A fully documented industrial process that can meet the requirements of the remanufacturer is what is meant by an industrial process.
CORE:
Duxes uses its unique industry expertise and perspective to offer outstanding services to domestic and foreign remanufacturing companies. It is currently the only independent consultancy firm in China that focuses on the remanufacturing sector. Duxes events are held in China and throughout the Asia-Pacific region annually. They provide insight into the latest developments within the remanufacturing sector and increase opportunities for remanufacturing companies.
* A core can be a product or part that has been sold previously, is worn out or not functional, and is intended for remanufacturing. To avoid damage and preserve the value of a core, it is handled, identified and protected during reverse logistics. A core is neither waste nor scrap, and it is not intended to be reused prior to remanufacturing.
The following definition has been agreed upon by European associations:
PART REMANUFACTURED
Remanufactured parts perform a function that is at least equal to the original. The region is remanufactured from an existing component (CORE) using standard industrial processes that meet specific technical specifications. Remanufactured parts are given the same warranty and identify the part as being a remanufactured one.
This common language represents a major achievement for automotive remanufacturing. It offers a brighter future to an industry that has already benefited from increased awareness among policymakers and the public in recent years. The United States Congress passed a law in 2015 that recognized the federal government as responsible for equipping its vehicles via remanufacture. In the same year, at a summit that included government, business, organized labor, and research representatives, the G7 Alliance for Resource Efficiency announced its support for remanufacturing.
The lack of a standardized and codified terminology to describe the key terms threatened to undermine the gains made in automotive remanufacturing, despite the trend towards official recognition and support. Lack of cohesion resulted in misunderstandings and suboptimal growth. It also led to competition among the organizations that represent auto remanufacturers rather than collaboration. Early indications indicate that this situation is now over.
As the Asia-Pacific partner of the APRA (Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association), a nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,000 automotive remanufacturers, Duxes has a history of engagement with and support for the automotive remanufacturing industry.With the release of the reman terminology, we will take the responsibility of promoting the terms and definitions in China and the Asia Pacific area and inform the rapid expanding manufacturing industry of the prospect for increased efficiency and cooperation with international partners offered by the new terminology, as well as the potential for future legal recognition.
About the Duxes Reman Consultancy
In 2008, Duxes Reman Business began after the NDRC introduced a pilot program for automotive parts remanufacturing. After a partnership between Duxes, the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), and Duxes in 2015, Duxes assumed the role of the APRA Asia Pacific Agency.
Duxes uses its unique industry expertise and perspective to offer outstanding services to domestic and foreign remanufacturing companies. It is currently the only independent consultancy firm in China that focuses on the remanufacturing sector. Duxes events are held in China and throughout the Asia-Pacific region annually. They provide insight into the latest developments within the remanufacturing sector and increase opportunities for remanufacturing companies.
About APRA
Founded in 1942, the APRA trade association is a nonprofit organization that represents more than 1,000 companies in the $35 billion automotive remanufacturing sector. The APRA aims to promote automotive remanufacturing globally and facilitate cooperation in the industry through networking, advocacy, and educational and technical services.