Mercedes-Benz is taking a strong stand against counterfeiters, working closely with trade supervisory and law enforcement authorities to combat the proliferation of fake auto parts.
In recent months, seizures have included counterfeit paper air filters, brake parts, wheels, as well as body and steering components. These fake parts are destroyed upon seizure to prevent their harmful impact. In 2023 alone, more than 1.6 million counterfeit Mercedes-Benz parts were seized during over 740 raids worldwide, marking a nearly 20% increase in raids from the previous year.
'The counterfeiting industry generates enormous margins and has the structures of organized crime. It endangers road safety, disregards the environment, and ignores fair wages and occupational safety. There are no quality controls. By consistently taking action against these highly criminal structures with all legal means, we protect not only the reputation of our brand but also our customers, other road users, and ultimately all victims of the counterfeiting industry. In close cooperation with the authorities, we were able to track down many counterfeit factories directly,' said Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity, Governance & Sustainability.
Raids against counterfeit operations are often the result of months of meticulous investigation and preparation. Mercedes-Benz's brand protection team scrutinizes online offers, investigates leads on counterfeiting, and conducts in-depth research to locate counterfeit factories. The findings are then shared with the relevant authorities, who conduct the raids. Detecting counterfeit products requires a trained eye and years of experience, as fakes often look almost identical to genuine parts.
The global Intellectual Property Enforcement Team at Mercedes-Benz plays a crucial role in quickly verifying counterfeit parts for authorities during raids. In 2023, the team facilitated an average of more than two raids per day worldwide.
Counterfeit networks are increasingly using online platforms and social media to distribute fake products on a large scale, exploiting the anonymity and decentralization of online marketplaces. To combat this, Mercedes-Benz is continuously expanding its strategic and operational anti-counterfeiting measures, especially in online retail. In 2023, the brand protectors deleted over 142,000 offers of counterfeit Mercedes-Benz products and content infringing on trademark rights. Their brand protection strategy revolves around three pillars: tracking down, attacking, and preventing counterfeiting activities.
Mercedes-Benz brand protectors also support customs authorities and service providers with training events and provide information materials to raise awareness.
Tips To Avoid Counterfeit Products
Consumers can follow a few simple criteria to avoid falling for counterfeit products. Start by carefully examining offers, especially those with significantly lower prices, abnormalities in product quality, or sales through dubious online sources. Sometimes, it is apparent from product images or descriptions that the items are not genuine, such as products Mercedes-Benz does not manufacture. However, many counterfeit products are hard to distinguish from genuine ones, even for a layperson.
Mercedes-Benz's rigorous efforts to combat counterfeit parts reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers and the integrity of its brand. Through strategic collaborations with authorities, meticulous investigations, and advanced digital measures, the company is leading the charge against the counterfeit industry, setting a high standard for brand protection and consumer safety in the automotive sector.
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