Success for Toyota in counterfeit parts war

The FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) has issued a press release today, revealing that Chinese police have pounced on a hoard of counterfeit parts in the southern city of Guangzhou.

According to the press release, the Chinese police have uncovered 33,000 fake parts, collectively worth $1 million in Australia. Among the parts were filters, cables, seals, airbags, brake master cylinders and brake pads. According to the FCAI, the Chinese police were alerted by a tip-off from Toyota Australia.

In addition to the parts stored there, the "large-scale manufacturing facility" also contained 55,000 packages wearing 'Toyota Genuine Parts' branding and authentic-looking barcodes and serial numbers.

It's understood that the company operating the facility also counterfeits parts for other Japanese brands.

The FCAI, which has been waging a campaign to convince consumers to check the authenticity of the parts they're buying, also revealed that Ford Australia and GM-Holden have respectively become aware of counterfeit parts for locally-manufactured vehicles and imports. In Ford's case, the counterfeit alloy wheels were built to match genuine articles for FPV models. Counterfeit air intake snorkels and grilles for the Ranger pick-up were also 'intercepted'.

Toyota, in a recent Federal Court case launched against two retailers based in Australia, learned of the Chinese supplier and relayed this information to the Chinese police via the Toyota subsidiary in China. Apparently the airbag components being sold by the two retailers were "dangerously inferior". Within the terms of the settlement the retailers have agreed to contact all customers and offer a refund for the dodgy parts sold.

The retailers were also required to hand over information concerning the manufacturing operation in China.

"While this seizure is shocking, sadly it's not uncommon and using counterfeit parts, knowingly or otherwise, means you're taking a huge risk," said FCAI chief executive officer Tony Weber.

"It offers a clear reminder to consumers that just because they see a branded box, bag or label they shouldn't assume they're buying a genuine part. The way to avoid safety concerns posed by fake parts is to ensure you or your repairer sources genuine replacement parts from the vehicle maker's authorised supply chain," he said.