The Australian Border Force has recently seized a batch of counterfeit ‘strut spacer’ parts for the Toyota Hilux which were being marketed online to four-wheel-drive enthusiasts.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says the counterfeit parts placed the vehicles in danger of catastrophic failure.
“The strut spacers create an increase in frontal ground clearance and promise to improve off-road performance, illegally bearing genuine brand marks to deceive drivers into thinking they have received a part backed by their vehicle’s maker. Enthusiasts are sold what appears to be a genuine product on the promise of increased off-road driving capability,” the FCAI says.
A Toyota Australia spokesperson says that these parts are unknown and have not been tested and/or evaluated to Toyota’s standards, causing potential safety, quality and performance ramifications if installed to a Toyota vehicle.
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says he is very concerned about the fitment of fake parts to vehicles.
“These unknown, untested and evidently dangerous parts have no place on Australian roads. The fact they are being marketed with the logos of vehicle brands is cause for tremendous concern. I applaud Border Force for taking action and removing these items,” Weber says.
“Manufacturers across the industry are sending a clear message to the buyers of counterfeit parts. The criminals marketing these are out to rip you off. Fitting a counterfeit part to a vehicle will have consequences. Once they have your money, the counterfeiters do not care about your safety and the safety of your family,” he says.
Other dangerous parts seized, identified, or tested by the FCAI initiative, Genuine is Best, include counterfeit spark plugs capable of causing massive engine damage, counterfeit oil filters that do not filter oil, wheels that shatter in low-speed pothole impacts, brake components containing asbestos and in one case, brake pads made of compressed grass clippings.
Australian motorists who suspect they have been sold a counterfeit part should submit a report for investigation at https://genuineisbest.com.au/report-suspicious-parts/
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