Quality Parts Coalition Announces Winner of “Me and My Car” Facebook Contest

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) announced that Rick Welch of Connecticut has won the “Me and My Car” Facebook contest. The contest, which was held from September 14 to October 14, encouraged consumers to submit photos of their cars and provide memorable car stories.

“We know that car owners like him share a personal connection with their vehicles, and we want to make sure they are informed about their options when it comes to auto repairs.”

Welch’s winning entry chronicled a father and son car restoration project that lasted six months and resulted in many fond memories: “There is not a part on that car he can't replace, fix, adjust or repair. We spent a lot of time at Auto Parts stores, junk yards and on-line buying just the right parts for this dream car of his.”

Contest entries were judged on creativity, soundness of story and quality of entry. For his winning entry, Welch will receive a Garmin GPS nϋvi® 3750 and a $150 gasoline gift card.

“Congratulations to Rick,” said QPC Executive Director Eileen Sottile. “We know that car owners like him share a personal connection with their vehicles, and we want to make sure they are informed about their options when it comes to auto repairs.”

The “Me and My Car” contest not only served to capture the connection drivers have with their cars, but also to raise awareness about the importance of affordable auto parts alternatives and the benefits of maintaining competition in the automotive parts industry. The QPC is looking to secure a legislative change to U.S. design patent law to ensure availability of alternative parts for consumers who need to repair their damaged vehicles.

With the anticipation of new legislation being introduced in Congress in the coming weeks, the Coalition is encouraging its new Facebook fans to sign the online petition in support of competition and auto parts affordability. The petition is available under the “Sign the Petition” tab on QPC’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KeepAutoPartsAffordable.

ABOUT QPC

The Quality Parts Coalition represents the interests of the independent parts industry, repairers, insurers, consumers and seniors. The goal of the Quality Parts Coalition is to develop and secure a permanent legislative change to U.S. design patent law to protect the consumer’s right to benefit from quality, lower-cost alternative replacement parts and to preserve competition. For more information, visit www.KeepAutoPartsAffordable.org.