Mercedes-Benz seized nearly two million counterfeit products with the content “dangerous to the health of road users” globally by 2021.
The German automaker recently confirmed more than 650 counterfeit product raids by customs and law enforcement occurred in 2021 globally, equivalent to more than 1.86 million sets. counterfeit part.
Compare to 1.7 million prosthetics seized by 2020that’s an increase of almost 10%.
Counterfeit products are parts that are advertised and sold to consumers as if they were OEM, when in reality they are often manufactured for less and offer worse performance.
They should not be confused with aftermarket parts, which are offered by third-party vendors as a replacement for OEM parts.
Mercedes-Benz says it has taken “strict action against counterfeit products”, including focusing on safety-critical parts such as brake discs, wheels, bodywork and parts. steering part.
“The counterfeiting industry has organized crime structures and is often more profitable than drug trafficking,” said Mercedes-Benz Group AG board member, integrity and legal officer Renata Jungo. Brüngger said.
The German carmaker says product pirates, people or companies that manufacture and distribute counterfeits and imitations, are increasingly using online platforms and social media channels to Reaching unsuspecting customers.
According to Ms. Jungo Brüngger, by 2021, more than 126,000 counterfeit products have been removed from online platforms.
“Our brand protection specialists have quickly adapted to the evolving business model of the counterfeit industry,” said Ms. Jungo Brüngger.
Mercedes-Benz says it can be “difficult to tell with the naked eye” counterfeit products from genuine parts, but their quality is often poor, alleging that they often do not meet the minimum legal requirements for safety side.
According to Mercedes-Benz, prosthetics are often manufactured under inhumane conditions without regard to human rights, environmental and safety standards.
Like details beforeThe Federal Automotive Industry Chamber (FCAI), the highest level body for car brands in Australia, has been working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to train frontline officers to recognize parts. fake in a campaign called Genuine is the Best.
Examples of hazardous counterfeit products previously identified by the ABF include wheel breakage in potholes at low speeds, unfiltered oil filters and brake components containing asbestos.
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Genuine oil filter (left), fake oil filter (right)
In one case, the team even found brake pads made from compressed grass.
An ABF spokesperson said: “There is a tendency in the community to view counterfeiting as harmless or victimless crime but this is wrong.”
“Counterfeit vehicle parts, especially those designed for emergency response, such as brake pads or airbags, pose significant safety risks and impacts to consumers and the public. broader field can be significant, and sometimes fatal.”
