Ferrari Mailing List: Re: FNA Notice to Dealers

[JAshburne (JAshburne]

If that is a genuine letter from FNA, it is one of the most  unprofessionally 
written letters that I have ever seen from a large business  organization.  I 
find it hard to believe that this was vetted by senior  management and their 
legal staff.
 
Aside from that, it is clearly over the top, heavy handed and transparently  
over-reaching in their attempt to not only manage legitimate expenses caused 
by  truly faulty aftermarket parts, but thuggish in the threats to dishonor all 
 warranty work whether or not it was ***CAUSED*** by the part.
 
John
 
In a message dated 2/15/2007 11:27:18 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
ricrain [at] airmail.net writes:

FYI....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------

To  all parts managers,

Re: Use of Non-Genuine Aftermarket  Parts


Following an increasing number of vehicle failures and  customer complaints
concerning the fitting of non-genuine aftermarket  components, I wish to
bring your urgent attention to some of the possible  consequences.

FNA has observed more and more dealers becoming involved  with the fitting of
non-genuine aftermarket exhausts, different  specification non-genuine
wheels, Engine ECU "chipping" (i.e.  re-programming), seat modifications,
steering wheel changes and suspension  ride height adjustments to name a few.
Each of these has the potential not  only to void a customer's warranty, but
could also result in the dealer  being held liable for possible product
related issues.

Examples of  such potential problems include loss of airbag due to steering
wheel  replacement. Engine failure or malfunction, check engine  light
illumination, damaged catalytic converters, due to engine ECU  reprogramming
and or the fitting of non genuine aftermarket exhausts.  Suspension failure
caused by the fitting of different specification  non-genuine wheels. Fender
damage, uneven tire wear and handling issues  caused by changing ride
heights. These are just a few examples...the list  goes on.

As we have communicated to you previously. these modifications  are strictly
against Ferrari policy for cars under warranty. I am astounded  that a dealer
would carry out any of these modifications on any car of any  age as the
potential loss certainly outweighs the short term gain. The  vehicles
warranty book clearly states " The limited warranty does not cover  misuse,
negligence, overloading, or any type of modifications."

The  issue of exhaust systems is becoming more common since model year 05
cars  have even more stringent emissions requirements and the threshold  for
setting errors is very low. We have cases showing (e.g. 4 Tubi systems  in
California last week alone) that with any exhaust modification, an error  can
be set in the engine management system and a check engine light will  be
visible on the instrument cluster. The long term effects include, but  are
not limited to, excessive engine heat, catalyst failure, incorrect  air/fuel
mixture, and possible engine failure.

This practice must  stop immediately. Any dealer fitting any non-genuine parts
or accessory on  a Ferrari that is under warranty will be held responsible
for all  consequential repair costs for that car for the remainder of the
warranty  period and Ferrari will also hold dealer responsible for any other
related  liabilities, e.g., accidents, personal and property damage,  etc.

Sincerely

<name omitted>
V.P. Technical  Services
FNA

<name omitted>
Director, Parts &  Accesories Operations
FNA