Counterfeit Car Parts: A hidden danger exposed by French TV reportage
The investigation, broadcast on the 8 o’clock news, shed light on the alarming extent of this illegal trade, focusing on a major seizure of counterfeit parts in Marseille and their production in Turkey. This revelation, part of a broader investigation by French authorities, highlighted a criminal network that not only threatens automotive manufacturers, but also puts the safety of countless drivers at risk.
Counterfeit car parts: A hidden industry
When most people think of counterfeiting, their minds jump to luxury goods or fashion items. However, TF1’s report uncovered a more insidious side of this criminal trade – counterfeit car parts. These fake components, including filters, shock absorbers, cooling fluids, and tanks, are sold to unsuspecting garages and consumers, often branded under reputable names like Stellantis or Renault. In reality, these parts are cheap knock-offs that fail to meet the safety and performance standards of original equipment.
In the investigation, over 80,000 fake parts were seized in Marseille, marking the fourth such raid in just one month. The report linked these counterfeit parts to production facilities in Turkey, some of which were hidden behind secret doors in illicit factories. The scale of the operation and the sheer volume of counterfeit parts seized underscore the vastness of this illegal industry.
The dangers of counterfeit parts
One of the most significant dangers highlighted by TF1’s reportage is the risk posed by using counterfeit car parts. A spokesperson from UNIFAB (Union des Fabricants) pointed out that counterfeit brake pads, for example, take seven times longer to brake than their genuine counterparts . This isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it’s a life-threatening issue. Substandard parts can lead to engine damage, brake failure, and even serious accidents.
The link between counterfeit parts and organised crime adds another layer of complexity to the issue. According to the investigation, these criminal networks aren’t just producing fake automotive parts – they’re also involved in the trafficking of guns and drugs. This dangerous connection underscores the urgent need to crack down on counterfeit parts and the networks that produce them.
The financial impact on automakers
For major automotive manufacturers like Stellantis and Renault, the financial losses from counterfeit parts are staggering. Just one seizure in Marseille, valued at 4 million euros, represents a significant blow to these companies. Fake automotive spare parts can be found on online platforms like AliExpress at a fraction of the original price.
Beyond financial loss, there is the question of consumer trust. When fake parts are sold under a trusted brand name, it not only harms the company’s reputation but also endangers customers who unknowingly purchase substandard products.
How SCRIBOS helps Stellantis combat counterfeiting
To address this growing threat, Stellantis partnered with SCRIBOS to implement a robust brand protection solution. Using our innovative VeoMark® security labels, combined with the SCRIBOS 360 digital platform, Stellantis has been able to streamline the authentication process and combat counterfeiting more effectively.
SCRIBOS has created an online ordering platform specifically for Stellantis, enabling all its suppliers to order these security labels. Once attached to a product, the label is linked to SCRIBOS’ digital platform, allowing customers to easily verify its authenticity. Through this system, Stellantis can track scan activities and identify counterfeit hotspots, enabling them to take targeted action against counterfeiters.
Our solution not only simplifies the authentication process but also handles the entire supply chain – from label production to payment and delivery – with minimal effort required from Stellantis. This comprehensive approach ensures that Stellantis remains one step ahead in the fight against counterfeiters, safeguarding both their brand and their customers.
Conclusion
Counterfeit car parts are not just a financial burden for automakers like Stellantis and Renault – they are a safety risk for drivers everywhere. As TF1’s investigation revealed, these illegal operations are widespread, often linked to organised crime, and pose significant challenges to both manufacturers and consumers.
At SCRIBOS, we are committed to helping companies like Stellantis protect their brand and ensure that their products remain safe and authentic. By implementing innovative brand protection solutions like VeoMark® and the SCRIBOS 360 digital platform, we’re making it easier to detect and prevent counterfeit products, safeguarding both the business and its customers.
For more information on how SCRIBOS can help your company fight counterfeiting, contact us at hello@scribos.com.
