In 2022, Mercedes-Benz seized over 1.6 million counterfeit products with its name on them in over 620 customs and law enforcement raids around the world.
In South Africa specifically, the luxury German automaker’s domestic subsidiary (MBSA) confirmed to TopAuto that it, too, partnered with local authorities and “conducted various actions with them in 2022, resulting in the seizure of several thousands of infringing products.”
Additionally, the company saw a spike in online listings of fake Mercedes-Benz-branded parts on a global scale, and in response, it removed in excess of 155,000 advertisements for these components last year, which is 23% more than in 2021.
“When trading counterfeit goods, counterfeiting gangs take advantage of the high degree of anonymity and decentralised nature of online marketplaces and technologies,” said Florian Adt, COO & General Counsel at Mercedes-Benz Intellectual Property.
“For this reason, Mercedes-Benz is further expanding its strategic and operational measures against counterfeiting in online trade.”
How to spot a fake
Using counterfeit products such as brake discs, wheels, and body and steering parts, which are the most common, poses a significant risk to the health and safety of road users as they do not comply with the stringent quality control measures employed by Mercedes when it produces its certified components and as a result, can’t offer similar performance.
The problem has grown so prevalent that the manufacturer established a team headquartered at the Mercedes-Benz Intellectual Property Competence Centre in Germany collaborating with customs and law enforcement authorities around the world on a regular basis to trace international roots back to the source and put a stop to counterfeiters, said MBSA.
Mercedes has therefore provided a few simple criteria for customers of its vehicles to use in order to avoid falling for counterfeit products as best they can.
“To make sure that only genuine parts are installed in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, owners can always rely on authorized dealerships of Mercedes-Benz,” said MBSA.
Furthermore, careful examination of conspicuous offers in everyday life, including online, is advised.
Should you notice an apparently-fake part on your vehicle, MBSA recommends to immediately get in touch with your nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership to install geuine products that adhere to its safety and quality standards.
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