NON-OEM RULING QUESTIONED

Collision Parts Network, a Fresno auto parts distributor, filed a lawsuit asking the California Supreme Court to declare the 1999 Illinois court decision that resulted in insurers suspending their use of competitive replacement parts in auto repairs invalid in California. The original court decision, now on appeal, prompted State Farm and other insurers to suspend use of the parts until a final verdict is reached, which, in turn, reduced competition and drove up the cost of both auto repairs and insurance. California law recognizes the use of replacement parts in repairs.