The Jan. 30, 2015 edition of the Theft-Relevant Parts (TRP) Ordering Policy published on www.startekinfo.com by Mercedes Benz USA included a significant upgrade in the number of security items available for sale to independent service providers (ISP). NASTF analysis of the policy document reveals that 12 of the 14 TRP items are now available, up from five in the previous edition. While the MBUSA TRP program, introduced in 2008, was already very popular with collision, transmission and service technicians in the USA, the permission to purchase the previously unavailable transmission control module for the 722.9 transmission is welcome news to ISPs.
“NASTF VSP access to even a limited number of items in the Mercedes TRP program has been an important asset to us in servicing our customers,” said Roshan Gowin of Euroclassics, Ltd. “The expansion of the TRP list for us independents means even greater convenience for the Mercedes owner across the USA.”
In order to participate in the MBUSA TRP ordering process, ISPs must first hold a valid subscription to the NASTF Vehicle Security Professional (VSP) Registry, a system developed by automakers and other stakeholders in 2008, originally to vet locksmiths for the secure purchase of security key information. MBUSA is the only OEM, so far, to use the NASTF VSP Registry in the validation of parts purchases.
In addition to the required NASTF VSP Registry subscription, ISPs wishing to purchase MBUSA TRPs must complete a detailed process involving a local franchised Mercedes Benz dealership parts department; and for seven of the 12 available TRP items, pre-authorization from MBUSA. The two remaining TRPs not currently available to NASTF VSPs are the keyless-entry fob (electronic vehicle key) and the body parts where a VIN is affixed. Workshop keys and locking sets with mechanical keys are available to NASTF VSPs.
The update to the policy is so significant, an instructional session, Mercedes TRP 2015: Expanded & Simplified Access to MBUSA Security Parts for Independent Techs, by Dan Selke, Safety Supervisor at Mercedes Benz USA, was added to the NASTF Spring 2015 General Meeting, 1-4:30pm, Thursday March 19, 2015 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ. Information about the NASTF Spring 2015 General Meeting is available at www.nastf.org/GeneralMeetings.
NASTF was established in 2000 to identify, communicate and resolve gaps in the availability and accessibility of automotive service information, service training, diagnostic tools, and equipment for the benefit of automotive service professionals and their customers. NASTF was incorporated in 2006 as a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization. Additional details can be found at www.nastf.org.
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