Toyota stops counterfeit parts supplier
Toyota is encouraging consumers to only buy parts and accessories from authorised dealers after stopping a vehicle body parts and panel supplier in Australia from importing, advertising and selling counterfeit grilles.
Sold in breach of Australian law, the grilles do not meet durability or quality standards. Toyota warns the fake parts are constructed with inferior techniques and materials and likely to fail prematurely in Australian driving conditions.
In some forward-facing radar or stereo camera sensor applications, a fake grille may interfere with critical systems.
Investigations by the marque saw the supplier, SSS Auto Parts, withdraw the grilles from sale, offer a refund to purchasers and forfeit remaining stock.
Fabiola Dos Santos, Toyota Australia's brand protection manager, says consumers could have been misled into believing the grilles were genuine as they bore Toyota trademarks illegally.
She adds that SSS Auto Parts also breached Toyota’s copyright through the unlicensed use of Toyota-owned images on its website.
“Toyota will act decisively whenever counterfeit parts are being sold to consumers,” she says. “We devote significant financial, technical and human resources to develop genuine parts and accessories that offer optimal performance, durability and safety benefits to customers.
“Our grilles are designed, engineered and tested to allow sufficient air flow to the radiator, protecting the engine from overheating. They are manufactured to Toyota's stringent quality and durability standards – an assurance that cannot be offered by anyone selling counterfeit parts.
“Some people mistakenly think that buying counterfeit auto parts is harmless and a simple way to get components at a lower price. But the impact can be far worse than people realise as there is zero testing, no legal regulation and very little recourse for consumers if the part is ineffective or unsafe.”
Dos Santos says Toyota is working with the Australian Border Force to identify and seize counterfeit parts entering the market.
“Consumers should not assume they are buying a genuine part, even if it comes in a branded box or has a Toyota label,” she explains.
“The best way to avoid purchasing a counterfeit item is to buy Toyota genuine parts and accessories directly from an authorised Toyota dealer.”
