Recently, the sprayed-on bed lining industry has come under attack by Penda Corp., one of the leading drop-in bed liner manufacturers. Penda has stated that having a sprayed-on bed lining installed could violate manufacturer's warranties.

The Big Three automakers, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler Corp., have all categorically rejected Penda Corp.'s assertions that adding a sprayed-on bed liner to a pick-up truck will void the warranty. "Penda's claims not only contradict the Big Three's written policies, but also contradict the law," said Celeste Pettitt, Rhino spokesperson.

The Magnusson-Moss Act was enacted in 1975 to clearly define for consumers the responsibilities of both the buyers and sellers with respect to warranties. The following paragraph clearly rejects the recent assertions by Penda, according to Pettitt:

"The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty."

"Ford's written policy follows the statute almost to the letter," said Jerree Martin, public affairs manager, Ford Customer Service Division. "The vehicle's warranty is intact; however, there is no Ford warranty on the sprayed on bed liner. There is no coverage of any damage caused during installation and no warranty of Ford parts that are subsequently damaged due to the installation."

Dodge concurred with Ford's policy, saying that modification would only void the warranty if damage resulted from the modification itself. "Any modification can violate the warranty if it is determined the aftermarket installation caused the damage," said Marc Henreteta, manager of sales, service and dealer communications for the Chrysler Group. "If the drop in bedliner rubbed on the bed of the truck someplace it could void the warranty."

General Motors Corp. has a policy that mirrors the other two, according to Pettitt. "Normally installation of aftermarket products does not affect a vehicle's new vehicle warranty," said Tom Henderson, a spokesman for General Motors."However there are certain circumstances where this may occur. Damage caused by the installation is not covered. Non-GM parts and accessories are not covered, and any parts or product failures caused by the installation are not covered," added Henderson.

"Rhino Linings USA, Inc. respects the manufacturer's policy, but takes exception to Penda's claims to the contrary," Pettitt said.

About Rhino Linings USA, Inc.

Founded in 1988, Rhino Linings USA, Inc. pioneered the sprayed-on polyurethane lining industry in the United States to protect hundreds of surfaces from abrasion, impact, chemicals and corrosion.

Rhino Linings has more than 800 retail dealers and industrial accounts in more than 50 countries.