Toyota gets tough on counterfeit parts
1 Oct, 2008
45 Comments 
Toyota Australia has sent a warning to all repair workshops across the country warning that selling and fitting counterfeit parts is putting their businesses at risk.
Evidence suggests some workshops have been illegally importing counterfeit parts (these differ from non-genuine parts as they are branded with the Toyota logo) which can be sourced at fraction of the cost of the genuine article to try and boost profits at shop level.
Simply put the parts do not meet Toyota’s strict tolerances and may be manufactured from inferior materials which could jeopardise longevity, reliability or even – in some instances – safety.
The best way to guard against the practice is to insist on ‘Toyota Genuine Parts’ from an approved Toyota dealership and if need be, ask to see the packaging prior to fitment.
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October 1st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Aren’t they happy enough with the money they make?
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I don’t think that’s it George, I think it’s more a concern someone is making dodgey parts and putting their good name on them.
It’s not only bad for their reputation, but imagine you sent your wife down to the local mechanic and had a seat belt replaced. Say the seatbelt was knitted together from goat wool in Laos and on the way home there was an accident.
Who is liable? And how would you feel at the mechanic for fitting a dodgey part?
Sometimes the genuine article is made for a reason, and I think I’d rather spend the additional few bucks than ruin my car or worse still.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
arrrghhh….goat wool seat belts….mmmmmmm
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I understand Toyota will cover their parts for the same duration as the warranty if fitted before delivery. Beats saving a few dollars (if it was passed on and I doubt it would be)
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 5:36 pm
arrghh my comment is awaiting moderation!! Hate that.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 6:11 pm
these are called “aftermarket” parts.
the world is full of these whether it be cars or not.
why is this worthy of latest news??
i assume every manufacturer posts this warning in their user log books.
i know ford has always posted a warning to ensure if repairs are done, that the panel beater is obligated to use genuine.
aftermarket doesnt always mean inferior.
Vote:most of the time the part could be made at exactlly the same place.
October 1st, 2008 at 6:18 pm
It’s easy. If it arrives in a container that originated from China, just empty it into the harbour. Problem solved. What we’ve seen from this place so far is just the tip of the iceberg.
Vote:Oh sorry, we’re about to get complete cars from there. Oooh, errr. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
October 1st, 2008 at 6:23 pm
“warning that selling and fitting counterfeit parts is putting their businesses at risk…”
Vote:Hmmmm, have an interesting idea for a business… :D
October 1st, 2008 at 6:29 pm
The ACCC might be interested in Toyota trying to force workshops to use only their parts.
That should be worth a pretty hefty fine, methinks.
Can’t see the problem with using a water pump from Repco for a 15 year old Corolla.
The seat belt example may be valid but is a bit extreme.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I thought Toyotas didn’t need spare parts except genuine Toyota oil,fuel and air filters.LOL
After all couldn’t expect anyone else to reach their lofty standards.LOL.
God SOS!
More spin on quality from the masters of marketing.
Feelin the heat from the Koreans no doubt.LOL.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Gotta say….the Indian guy and counterfeit spiel on this thread about Toyota parts (is a “tad” racist implied me thinks)
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Reckless,
yep, the seatbelt comment is a bit extreme.
not only the genuine seatbelts keep to within australian standards.
any aftermarket seatbelt available here would also be to aussie standards.
yep,
also gonna be fun to see toyota enforce what brand of parts are used.
most of the time manufacturers stop making their “genuine” parts after around 5 years anyone???
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
My old boss had a hilux, wanted to buy an extra set of tail lamps and some other bits n pieces to stick on the top of the tray. He ended up going across the road and bought non-genuine parts as toyota wanted over double the price for the same parts!
Vote:Have also had other people tell me they wont go back to toyota as they charge to much for servicing,one lady even said she wish she didnt buy a corolla cause of how much it cost for a service. Is it any wonder they’re the most profitable car company in the world?!
October 1st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I think a lot of the above commenter’s have missed the point completely.
“(These differ from non-genuine parts as they are branded with the Toyota logo)”
Matt’s goat belt is a little farfetched but his point is Valid. These goods are inferior and can sometimes be very dangerous when fitted.
Toyota has every right to protect their name, their reputation and most of all their customers from copy cat conartists with no regard for quality and safety standards.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 7:39 pm
After market parts are fine. If they are cheaper and you trust the brand quality wise go for it!
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Toyota vs the automotive evil doers trying to undermine their quality.Beware those corrupters lurking in the back isles of super cheap.
Maybe they should call Captain Toyota to save the day.
What a pathetic advertising grab by Toyota!!!
Certainly know their lemming customers intimately.Would be curious to know,as a group,if their average intelligent quotients are lower than the norm?
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Perhaps they can hit a quality image hole in one next time by inferring that the evil parts are out of Korea and hence tarnish the quality reps of the opposition.LOL.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
anybody who buys a corolla or god forbid camry (including all crappy derivatives ie. aurion-sports car cough cough) must be dimwitted enough to believe any marketing BS toyota put out anyway.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 8:24 pm
LOL Realcars……you missed the whole point of the article completely! Whose intelligence quotient should we be questioning?
By the way I don’t drive a Toyota! I do not own a cardigan and I have not lost the will to live either! But all manufacturers should be as tough on “COUNTERFEITERS” as Toyota is.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 8:33 pm
counterfeiting of products such as clothes and car parts occurs mainly because the original items are way too expensive.. mainly because the factories/companies often charge an unjustified or unrealistic premium
Even though Toyota’s may supposedly be more reliable than other cars when they do breakdown they are more expensive to repair…. particularly when given the original purchase price or current value of the car.
Which when you consider that ATM Toyotas are the most popular car in Australia the price of spare parts should be less as there are more cars on the road etc.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 9:06 pm
well i know a panaphonic when i see one. Looks like we will have to watch out for parts name toy-ota or even jeramy clarksons toyboata parts.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I don’t think Toyota care about people buying aftermarket parts as long as they aren’t branded Toyota. By putting a fake brand on a product it misleads the buyer into paying a premium price and thinking that that they are getting a genuine product and all the “benefits” attached ie. warranty validation. If the buyer is happy to pay for a non-genuine part(which is usually cheaper)that is branded as such then there is no deception involved and any potential dramas are avoided as the buyer’s expectations are in line with what they paid for.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Just see it for what it is Jimbo baby.
Gee they are being “very tough”.LOL
Just an excuse to spin about their “quality” again. Nothing more.
Or perhaps an effort to get your Toyota serviced by a Toyota in case your Toyota is infected with evil parts like Ryco or Repco,PBR,Monroe etc.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Does anybody buy Toyota brand oil for their Toyota?LOL
50 BUCKS FOR 5LTRES OF 20W50.lol.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Funny how the Toyota branded stuff is never available in the right viscosity.LOL.
Wonder if the oil at the dealer in the big drums is Toyota brand oil?.LOL
20W50 ONE AND ALL ME THINKS.lol.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Oh no new news then.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 11:06 pm
the thing is, there is nothing wrong with using after market parts, its just saying its genuine and selling it as is even though its an ‘aftermarket’ part. So long the workshop says.. im selling u this, its not toyota but a cheap brand but does the same job.. then toyota can do nothing about it.. informed consent :P unless of course that product is made out of wood and not metal….
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 11:07 pm
This sounds like clever advertising to me.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I don’t see whats wrong with a Camry. My parents have an 03 V6 Camry, and sure its not a performance car, but it had enough power and decent economy for what they need it for. Why does a car have to be fast to be a good car? I admit the TRD Aurion is pushing it being called a sports car, but as a daily driver, there is nothing wrong with Toyota’s, and that is why they sell.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Yeah they are reliable and predictable and so bland they make me sleepy, but having said that one of my cars is a Prado and its never missed a beat (probably those genuine parts) I was just a bit sick of seeing those bloody Aurion ads.
Vote:October 1st, 2008 at 11:59 pm
All the Toyota bashing as usual, but most people missed the point. Some workshops are using counterfeit parts and branding them as ‘Toyota genuine’, selling them at the the price of genuine parts and making a killing in the process. Sure, aftermarket parts are cheaper, that’s not the issue. The issue is knock-offs charged at an unreasonable rate.
Also, this is different from the general counterfeiting out there. Toyota is warning workshops not to do so, as distinct from the blackmarket of car parts and chop shops in existence.
This is a problem because people walk into a workshop and expect a genuine service with genuine parts, but that’s not what they’re getting.
I don’t mind using cheap parts, or importing questionable quality parts from elsewhere, but if I order a HKS part (for example) I want it to be made by HKS, get what I paid for.
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 12:46 am
isn’t it saying that companies are making fake toyota parts, branding them with ‘toyota’ on them, and still selling them for their genuine prices so the shop makes profit?
thats sad… the parts may fit, but quality wise, and safety etc. is sure to be below par.
its like all those designer brand rip-offs, the quality is shit, they last about 4 months, and they still even have the ‘versace’ or ‘gucci’ logo on them despite their obvious fakeness. original products means quality.
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
my spam work was toyota just then…
OH YEH and Toyota’s are not expensive to service. my parents own an 07′ Camry Sportivo, and every service is either $100 or less. we just had a service done 2 weeks ago at 41,000km and it cost $83!
and cam saying anyone is an idiot for buying a camry, as if. it’s been a sensational family car for myself and my family, and its great to drive – and when we got it everyone commented on how nice it looks, and they still do. our only problem so far is the re-sale value (we are looking into upgrading to Mondeo TDci or a Passat diesel).
we got metallic paint, sunroof and leather, and payed around $41k on the road. it’s been valued by ford as a trade in for $23k. although privately we’d prob squeeze about $26-$27k outta it.
so yeh, we love our camry :)
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 8:32 am
AndrewM did you read the article at all? It is not referring to “aftermarket” parts. It is referring to counterfeit parts labelled as “Toyota” parts.
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 8:34 am
I had a customer buy a new Korean car, to save himself $120.00 he opted to fit a non genuine tow bar. A few weeks later he hitched up his boat and the wiring fizzed out causing nearny $2,000 to replace iring and a module.
Vote:The manufacturer would not cover the cost as it was not a factory fault.
Genuine is always better when it comes to somthing electrical.
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:25 am
I bought a new Jackaroo 10 years ago, and to save myself money I bought a non-genuine tow bar for $160 fitted. It’s got that funny brand name “Hayman Reece”. Since then I have hitched up many a trailer, and have had zero problems with electricals or anything else.
I’ve been real lucky with that second rate aftermarket product, haven’t I? Can’t imagine any manufacturer using those – err, hang on – don’t many companies use Hayman
Reece towbars as “Factory Towbars”???
Yes, they do – at 3 times the price.
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 9:28 am
If the dealer is fitting it you would hope it is factory approved, or no warrenty.
Vote:You bought a Jackaroo new?
Sorry…..
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
Realcars just dont get it, I’d say its a sign of the Anti-Christ the day he says something positive about Toyota. A Toyota salesman took your wife or something??
Anyways, I tune my weekend cars, I like and trust brands like HKS, Apexi, GReddy, Work, Enkei etc some of the more popular aftermarket performance brands…
the KEY WORD being PERFORMANCE…
the article here talks about dodgy parts, yes most likely from China.
I know for a fact that parts drawings sent to Chinese manufacturer plants have to have different part numbers, and even sometimes no dimensions, dimensions are sent through another method… to prevent these drawings being intercepted or being reprinted then “sold” to “cheap’ dodgy chinese manufacturers…. Again I know this for a fact.
Nike gave up and basically just established chinese Nike manufacturing plants to take advantage of cheap materials and cheap labour.. but strictly the products are sold in China…. but with eBay these days, these poorer quality “Nike” products make it here and everywhere.
The next phenomena is the automotive industry…
So Realcars, please just STFU if you don’t know what you’re talking about, start a Toyota Hate forum. Because the article here is about protecting assets and ultimately jobs by Australian suppliers, Australian manufacturers… Who will buy an australian manufactured “genuine” part for a Holden if there’s a chinese alternative worth 1/10th the price?
Toyota has many suppliers, Thailand, US, Europe, Australia etc… heck even China, but everything must be to a certain standard.. heaps of chinese counterfeits are straight rip off of design but using cheaper materials… out of spec too and usually 3 to 4 times the value of tolerance.. which means poor fitment.
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 am
I think some people who have read this article have got the wrong impression of what it means. Toyota could not care less about non-genuine parts, and quite often these parts come from the same manufacturer as the genuine article. What the problem is, is counterfeit parts branded as Toyota. There is a big difference between non-genuine, and counterfeit.
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 11:57 am
Amussing that this has become another Toyota bash by some. :-) However having seen things from both sides, Genuine parts pricing is OTT the majority of time. (here we go bring on the smart A*** comments) but when i ran Daewoo Workshop and we needed parts for Used cars or Ssangyong Musso’s it paid to ring around. Foreman Mech needed a water pump for a 2.2 Vectra used car, GM-H price $750.00 (there abouts) Daewoo price $420.00. Cheaper inferior product? Nope both ex Fishermans Bend, just different box. M/Benz Plastic cowl on 3.6 petrol eng $187.00, Musso part $18.00!!! (these are decorative only).
What I have found with a lot of these sorts of parts (and not just Automotive) is that it is generally a company that is sub contracted the manufacture of these parts, and has either just lost the contract or someon has gotten the bright idea of cutting ou the middle man. Kinda like you buying on “e-Bay”. A lot cheaper because it doesn’t go through the distributer.
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Hey guys sorry I’m i’m late dealer conference In Brisbane,
Vote:did i miss much? oh a Toyota Post, this will be colourful…
My God Anything Toyota gets a reaction doesn’t it? I guess success of other’s really makes some people angry.
A company trying to keep most people happy, most of the time is a bad thing, yes?
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I imagine all manufacturers are concerned about counterfeit parts not non genuine replacement parts. I do buy a lot of non genuine or aftermarket parts (some good, some not so good) and quite a bit of genuine parts but the last thing i want to do is pay genuine parts money for something because it has a fake logo on it.
Vote:October 2nd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
All car company’s are having the same problem its just not Toyota.
Vote:November 18th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Andrew m- You dont have a clue. Aftermarket parts are mostly legal are are made by different car parts companies for such models. What Toyota are saying here is they are companies making copies of genuine products and selling to the Car shops and claiming they are genuine. They are imitation of the genuine products. Have you every seen a conterfeit jeans i.e levis 501.
Vote:November 18th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Alex,
Mate i missed the bit where it said they were actually putting toyota logos on them. I initially thought it was related to aftermarket parts which can be common.
I was already corrected on that missed point much earlier in the piece, but good thing you are here to save the internet one post at a time ;)
Ive seen counterfeit stuff before. Ive been to Hong Kong and seen it all first hand. the markets run ripe with it.
I even bought a fake pair of Bolle ha ha ha ha.
sure they are not as good as the real things, but i found them no worse than the average no name brand sunnies.
same as the Levis being no worse than any Kmart branded jeans.
It is wrong though if people are put under the perception that it is the genuine article
Vote: