Mercedes In The Battle Against Auto Part Counterfeiters

Counterfeit auto parts may seem cheaper than genuine ones, but they pose a serious threat to safety and undermine manufacturers. Mercedes is taking a strong stand against these counterfeiters to protect both their brand and the lives of consumers.

Last year, authorities around the world seized more than 1.5 million products bearing the fake star of the Stuttgart concern in 793 raids. A year earlier, that figure was 1.6 million counterfeit parts.

Among other things, air filters made of easily flammable materials and brake system components that do not meet basic standards, as well as brake pads containing hazardous materials such as arsenic and asbestos, were seized, Mercedes announced.

In addition to traditional sales, counterfeiters increasingly use online platforms and social networks, significantly expanding the network. Last year, Mercedes’ marketing department initiated the deletion of 212,000 offers of counterfeit parts on the Internet, the DPA agency reported.

The company urged consumers to avoid counterfeit parts and carefully inspect every offer.

Common red flags are an unusually low price, visibly lower product quality, and sales through unverified channels.

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