Page 47 - Australasian paint & Panel Sep-Oct 2021

Counterfeit branding on Strut Spacers which could cause catastrophic failure.
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COUNTERFEIT OFF- ROAD PARTS SEIZURE
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE ENTHUSIASTS ARE
at risk of being duped by counterfeit ‘strut spacers’ that place vehicles in dan- ger of catastrophic failure. The strut spacers promise to improve off-road per- formance, illegally bearing genuine brand marks to deceive drivers into thinking they have received a part backed by their vehicle’s maker.
Marketed online, a batch was recently seized by Australian Border Force. The strut spacers create an increase in fron- tal ground clearance. Enthusiasts are sold what appears to be a genuine prod- uct on the promise of increased off-road driving capability. A Toyota Australia spokesperson said that these parts are unknown and have not been tested and/ or evaluated to Toyota’s standards, caus-
ing potential safety, quality and perfor- mance ramifications if installed to a Toyota vehicle.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber also expressed concern 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 tre- mendous concern.
Other dangerous parts seized, identi- fied, or tested by Genuine is Best include counterfeit spark plugs capable of caus- ing massive engine damage, oil filters that do not filter oil, wheels that shatter in low-speed pothole impacts, and in one overseas case, brake pads made of compressed grass clippings.
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