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, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has opened a new dealership for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in Siliguri, West Bengal. With this new facility, which happens to be the fifth LCV dealership in West Bengal, the company now has a robust LCV distribution network with more than 800 touchpoints.

Located at Eastern Bypass Road, SBM Warehouse, Eastern Bypass, Bhaktinagar, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, the new dealership will be managed by channel partner Happie Trucking. The main workshop facility (service and spares) is also strategically located at Debgram, Ware House, Thakur Nagar, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Equipped with advanced tools, quick service bays and sophisticated infrastructure, the facility is all set to ensure superior customer experience.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are excited to further strengthen our presence in this region. West Bengal and Eastern India, at large, have been a key market for us. We have always recognised the potential this region has, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in this geography. We have been working on creating a strong foothold in the region, and the new dealership in Siliguri will bolster our presence in this geography. The overwhelming success of our ‘DOST Range’ and now the ‘BADA DOST’ can be attributed to the robustness of our products and the extensive reach of our network. All our products have been receiving great responses from our customers, thanks to their best-in-class mileage and class-leading performance, backed by extensive sales and aftersales support. We are extremely proud that our track record of service retention levels is exemplary, with close to 70 percent of our customers returning to our dealer workshops even after the warranty period. We, as always, would remain committed to maintaining and even enhancing the level of customer service and satisfaction. This new dealership is being opened to further strengthen our reach, in line with our commitment.”

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), recently hosted Jan Thesleff, the Ambassador of Sweden to India, at its manufacturing facilities in Pithampur. He was accompanied by Markus Lundgren, Counsellor and Head of Trade section, Embassy of Sweden and Sofia Hogman, Swedish Trade Commissioner, Business Sweden.

The CV maker states that its VE Powertrain plant is a successful symbol of India-Sweden collaboration. The facility leverages India’s skilled workforce and technical expertise while positioning VECV as a hub for development and manufacturing that meets global standards. Notably, VEPT has been producing Euro 6 (BS VI) compliant engines since 2013, supplying over 40 countries.

Jan Thesleff said, “Currently, more than 280 Swedish companies operate in India, contributing to sectors ranging from automobiles and communications to healthcare and defence, directly generating over 240,000 jobs. The Eicher-Volvo joint venture exemplifies the strategic benefits of this partnership by harnessing the strengths of Sweden and India and fostering mutual growth and technological advancement. I am thoroughly impressed by the advanced technology products and sustainable manufacturing processes I witnessed today at VECV. Their remarkable achievements epitomise the shared innovation, growth, and sustainable development that Sweden-India partnership continues to deliver for the benefit of both nations.”

Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director & CEO, VECV, said, “We are honoured to welcome His Excellency Ambassador Jan Thesleff and the team from the Swedish Embassy to our Pithampur facility. Over the past 16 years, the VECV joint venture has not only driven the modernisation of India’s commercial vehicle sector but has also enabled Volvo Group to source world-class engines and components, made in India, for its global requirements. The success of this joint venture is rooted in the principles of trust, mutual respect, and win-win collaboration, combining Volvo Group's technology leadership with Eicher’s deep understanding of the Indian market. VECV looks forward to building on this success in the future”.

At present, the company sells CNG, LNG, electric and diesel trucks and buses in India under the Eicher and Volvo brands.

Manba Finance, a leading non-banking finance company (NBFC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Piaggio Vehicles (PVPL), the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Piaggio Group, to provide tailored financing solutions to Piaggio three-wheeler customers.

As per the understanding, the partners are set to form a dedicated central coordination team to oversee the implementation. They will focus on key areas such as product structuring, interest rate optimisation, resource allocation, centralised communication, and training to ensure the efficient execution and monitoring of the tie-up.

The MoU was signed by Diego Graffi, CMD, Piaggio Vehicles and Monil Shah, CBO & Director, Manba Finance, in the presence of Amit Sagar, EVP of Sales and Retail Finance, and Nilesh Arya, Head of Retail Finance, Piaggio Vehicles.

The partners state that the collaboration comes as electric three-wheeler sales saw a record high of 65,700 units in October. With this electric three-wheelers are just 16,856 units away from surpassing the CY2023 total of 583,597 units.

“We are proud to collaborate with one of India’s leading three-wheeler manufacturers, a trusted brand among aspiring entrepreneurs across the country. This partnership strengthens our footprint in the three-wheeler segment while enabling us to provide seamless digital lending solutions to our customers," said Shah.

German automotive component supplier Mahle has bagged a new contract from MAN Truck & Bus to supply components for the hydrogen engine of its ‘MAN hTGX’ truck.

The hydrogen truck uses a direct-injection engine with 6 cylinders, 16.8-litre displacement, which produces 383 kW power. Mahle will supply the hydrogen power cell unit, consisting of piston, piston rings, piston pin and cylinder liner. It will also supply components to be used in the valve train.

Interestingly, MAN aims to build around 200 units of the hydrogen truck for selected markets from 2025.

Dr Roger Busch, member of the Mahle Management Committee and Head of Sales, said, “Mahle has successfully transferred its 100 years of expertise in engine components into the future. Our state-of-the-art pistons and other parts make the internal combustion engine fit for hydrogen and thus climate-neutral. Today, we are able to fulfil our customers’ expectations in terms of performance, efficiency and service life.”

The component supplier says it has successfully tested its engine components to meet the specific requirements of hydrogen operation.

The company claims that the Mahle hydrogen power cell unit, in particular the oil consumption of the motor and the so-called blow-by, i.e. the leakage of hydrogen gas into the crankcase, can be reduced to a minimum. This enables a robust and failure-free operation of the motor.

Mahle at present is working on around 30 hydrogen engine projects for customers in the on- and off-highway sector, with more series launches from its customers being planned in 2025.