In what could be termed an interesting and informative exercise, leading industry brands joined forces to educate about the potential harm that fake and counterfeit parts pose to the transport industry. The programme – held on 18 May 2023 at Courtyard Marriott in Setia Alam (Malaysia) – consisted of presentations and interactive sessions. Some 100 participants attended and displayed much eagerness to learn more about the fake and counterfeit parts. 

Identifying Fakes
Part of each presentation by the supporting brands was to elaborate on how one could identify genuine and fake or counterfeit parts. In particular, the packaging is a significant component of any product and users would be able to spot a dodgy part just by looking at the same. For instance, a fake or counterfeit product may only be supplied in a brown carton, whereby the original would be in a colourful box with high-quality livery printed on it. QR codes are also an important tool that can help users to identify original parts and components. 

Label and Packaging
However would a package look like the original, there are tell-tale signs of it not being original. There are some obvious differences, however minute. For instance, the logo may not be correct. There will a difference in the name or letters. Regarding logo, there could be a close imitation of it. It is termed as a ‘Passing off a mark’ very often and is commonplace in counterfeiting and constitutes a trademark infringement as well as poses a risk to the buyer of an expected failure. The company that sales original parts often changes the packaging of its products to avoid any chance of counterfeiting. It is essential that buyers of spare parts and consumables familiarise themselves with the look and feel of the original package. If in doubt, as sometimes there could be older versions of the original packaging still in circulation, a call to the principal will clear up any doubts. 

Not the right price
When an item is offered at a price that seems much less what seems like less prize, there is a reason to be vigilant. If something is too good to be true, then it is likely not. If a product is offered at half the price of what it usually is or what the same product would cost from other suppliers, then there’s something wrong with it, quite likely. Discounts maybe offered from time to time, there is no way the distributor and principal would slash prices to levels that seem unbelievable. During the seminar, an example was given of a filter at half the price. It was swapped regularly and the fleet operator saved some money. Of inferior quality, the filter did work as it should have and led to engine failure. It would cost far more in repairing the engine then it would to purchase a genuine filter. 

The Right Partner
Typically, spare parts and consumables are sold via dealers (seldom directly from the manufacturer, but the same idea put forward applies). Original Equipment Manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure that they have appointed a trustworthy and dedicated dealer. They will list all the appointed dealers on their website. If someone is offering a part or consumable, the buyer can easily check on the OEMs website if the dealer is listed. If not, chances are that the dealer is not appointed or is selling knock-offs. In addition, many OEMs issue certificates to the dealer which he would have to produce upon request. These certificates are usually limited to one or two years. The inability to produce a valid certificate would also indicate something is wrong. 

It is also recommended that beyond market prices, buyers should also make themselves familiar with brands that they use. The question one could ask in assessing a part for authenticity is if a brand would be offering that kind of product. If a brand suddenly offers a part that is not aligned with their philosophy (quality level for example) or product portfolio, it might be worth checking if the product is offered by the OEM. 

Touch and Test
Counterfeit products can be of high quality with no obvious tell-tale signs. They are thus hard to identify without taking them apart. It may be a good idea to spend on an extra part to understand how it is constructed and know what makes an original part. An air filter, for instance, could be bend or cracked. If it has a crack, it is most likely of a lower quality and fake. The number of pleats, the folding of the pleats and how the filter material is connected to the end caps is also an indication of whether it is genuine or spurious. As a general rule, a fake product would always be one that uses less material or inferior material. 

Stickers and Numbers
Utilising the internet, buyers of parts and consumables can also check online if their purchase is legit. The product labels can now serve as a quality seal, with distinguishing features such as holograms. In addition, QR codes and other identification numbers can be fed into online portals that verify a part to be genuine. 

Production Quality
When companies offer multiple years of warranty on their products and promise superior performance, then they do so as their components are manufactured to the highest standards. Gears, piston rings, shafts and rods may look like they are original, but a closer inspection may reveal a fake: non-treated surfaces easily scratch, holes may not be chamfered, and logos may only be printed on the parts. 

Mixing oil
With the exception of highly complicated assemblies, such as a complete gearbox, not much is safe from imitation or tampering. That includes lubricants and other fluids. Mixing cheaper fluids into high quality grade fluids is one method applied by fraudulent sellers. Old fluids could be mixed in with new liquids or packaging swapped to sell low grade products for a higher price. The two remedies to prevent fraud are again to know the supplier and to be familiar with the product. A fake lubricant may smell different or feel different than the genuine item. 

Too Complex to Fake
Modern components and parts may be highly complex as many suppliers have taken the strategic approach to become solutions providers. Those wanting to make a quick buck by copying products would do so by offering simpler, easier to copy products. As these components also require trained and qualified staff to sell them to the market, OEMs nowadays work with reputable distributors and dealers, which can typically be identified via the brands’ websites. Those fraudulent suppliers would simply not have the motivation to create a complex product or appearance.

Damage to the Industry
A fake or counterfeit product may pose a threat to the lives of those on the road. For instance, unscrupulous individuals may offer brake pads that use sawdust as filler, this putting people at risk. In case a non-genuine part is causing harm to a transporter, the damage is not limited to metal and plastic: one’s reputation is also at stake and authorities may rule that a company may have to be shuttered as it may be deemed unsafe. In addition, fake parts, as they are typically cheaper, also rob governments of revenue. In this context, under-declaring the value of parts upon importation also causes the government losses. Meanwhile, fake or counterfeit products take away jobs from those that are offering genuine parts. 

To illustrate the severity of impact of using fake or counterfeit parts, Malaysian industry insiders referred to a case in 2014, whereby insurance companies had to pay out a whopping RM 600 million. Only two automotive brands were involved in repair claims. According to World Trademark Review, the estimated global economic cost of counterfeiting in the automotive industry could have reached USD 2.3 trillion by 2022. In Europe, it is estimated that Euro 2.2 billion is lost annually to counterfeit tyre sales alone, while counterfeit battery sales effectively steal Euro 180 million from OEMs. The impact of fake or counterfeit products is severe. It amounts to loss of lives, loss of income, loss of tax income and a threat to the existence of genuine parts manufacturers. 
 

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Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has inaugurated its 22nd Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) dealership in Uttar Pradesh. The new 3S facility located in Chunar, Mirzapur will further strengthen the company’s presence in North India.

The company’s LCV portfolio includes Saathi, Dost, Bada Dost, Partner and MiTR targeted for a wide range of customers and applications.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “Recognising immense potential of Uttar Pradesh as a key market for us, we are thrilled to strengthen our presence in the region. Our new dealership in Chunar (Mirzapur) would go a long way in reinforcing our presence in the state. The phenomenal success of our ‘Dost’, ‘Bada Dost,’ and the new ‘Saathi’ range underscores the robustness of our products - thanks to their best-in-class mileage, superior performance, and higher payloads. We take immense pride in our exceptional service retention levels, with nearly 70% of our customers returning to our dealer workshops even beyond the warranty period. This new dealership marks yet another milestone in our journey to provide the best possible experience to our valued customers.”

Ashok Leyland, one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nagaland Rural Bank for a strategic vehicle financing partnership. The partnership will see Ashok Leyland get access to customised financial solutions from Nagaland Rural Bank.

The MoU was signed by C Neelakantan, Head -Treasury and Direct Taxation, Ashok Leyland and Velayutham Sadhasivam, Chairman, Nagaland Rural Bank.

Balaji K M, CFO, Ashok Leyland, said, “At Ashok Leyland, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing customer experience and delivering greater value in our products and services. Nagaland Rural Bank is a regional rural bank with a strong presence in the state. With this partnership in place, our customers in the region will have access to comprehensive financing solutions with specially curated easy repayment plans”.

Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “Ashok Leyland is looking forward to collaborating with Nagaland Rural Bank to offer our customers highly attractive financing solutions. This strategic partnership not only strengthens our market presence but also reinforces our commitment to innovation and customer success. With cutting-edge technology and industry-leading total cost of ownership, our products are designed to drive profitability and value for our customers. We remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver exceptional customer experience and build long lasting relationships.”

Velayutham Sadhasivam added, “Nagaland Rural Bank is delighted to collaborate with Ashok Leyland to provide seamless vehicle financing solutions. This partnership underscores our commitment to meeting the diverse financial needs of commercial vehicle customers across the state. We are confident that this alliance will help us expand our reach and offer customized financing options, fostering the growth of businesses in the commercial vehicle sector.”

Eicher Trucks & Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles, has announced that it successfully hosted the second Woman Transporters Delegation at its Bhopal plant.

The event saw women leaders in the transport industry exchange ideas, share insights and explore new business opportunities. The discussion revolved around a wide range of topics such as digitisation, alternative fuels and intelligent mobility solutions that provide challenges and opportunities.

The women leaders were given an exclusive tour of Eicher’s Bhopal plant, an interactive session with VECV Executive Management and test drive experience.

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VECV, said, “At Eicher Trucks and Buses, we firmly believe that inclusivity and diversity strengthen businesses and drives growth. Technology and digital solutions are transforming the industry, making businesses smarter and more efficient. While we are taking steps to improve diversity and inclusion internally through initiatives like an all-woman assembly line in Bhopal, we thank you for working with us to foster innovative approaches in the commercial vehicle industry."

Bhagwan K Bindiganavile, EVP, Strategic Planning, Brand & Communications, VECV, added, “The Indian CV industry is transforming rapidly, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Seven Cs for mobility solutions: Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean and Cutting-edge. We appreciated the women leaders focus on balancing the new technologies making logistics more efficient with a people-first approach.”

SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VECV; B Srinivas, COO, Eicher Trucks and Buses; Ramesh Rajagopalan, EVP, Customer Service, Retail Excellence and Network Development and Vimal Mulchandani, EVP- Manufacturing Operation, Eicher Trucks & Buses & Volvo Buses also engaged with the women transporters delegation.

Construction and off-road equipment major SANY has launched what it claims is India's first hybrid off-highway 100-tonne mining dump truck – the SKT130S – with localised manufacturing at its Pune factory.

The truck operates with a 925 kW engine, which generates 3200 Nm of torque, 100-tonne payload capacity and a 61 CuM heaped body capacity, designed for mining applications.

Deepak Garg, Vice-Chairman and MD, SANY India and South Asia, said, “The introduction of the SKT130S is a remarkable achievement in our journey towards driving innovation and self-reliance in India’s mining sector. As India’s first 100-tonne diesel-electric hybrid mining truck, the SKT130S demonstrates SANY India’s commitment to delivering high-performance, efficient and safe solutions to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Our focus on localisation not only supports India’s manufacturing vision but also ensures that we bring cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity in mining operations.”

The SKT130S is expected to achieve fuel savings of 20-25 percent compared to conventional mining trucks. A regenerative braking system enables the high-voltage battery to charge during downhill operation.

The truck includes an intelligent control module for operation management and a 10-inch central control screen for navigation and safety. The cabin meets FOPS/ROPS certification standards, aligning with global safety regulations.