Fake engine parts not worth the risk: BMW

Phony Prada shoes, fake Louis Vuitton purses and forged Gucci handbags not to mention pirated Microsoft software and Hollywood movies are easily found in many cities worldwide.

In Italy’s Venice and Florence, for instance, street vendors play cat-and-mouse with local police as they sell their fake fashion items to tourists while attempting to avoid the €10,000 (US$12,000) fine for selling counterfeit products.

Fake goods are also sold in shopping centers in Jakarta, but the difference is that both the vendors and buyers in the capital more comfortably and “freely” offer and buy counterfeits due to poor law enforcement.

Many customers prefer to opt for pirated items since such products accommodate those who want to be up-to-date without spending their savings, putting aside the fact that product piracy has been a major problem for government, authorities and even the public.

Based on the European Commission’s studies, copies and forgeries of brand products already account for an estimated 10 percent of global trade, with the resulting loss of tax revenue and legitimate employment.

Piracy is not only the problem of major French and Italian fashion houses, but also that of German automaker Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) Group.

BMW has realized that in the past few years there has been a noticeable increase in the illegal manufacture of, and now also the global distribution of, counterfeit BMW Parts, accessories and items from BMW’s Merchandising and Lifestyle collections.

Therefore, BMW Group headquarters in Munich has initiated its Brand Protection Program by organizing a series of campaigns worldwide, including in Indonesia.

“BMW Group initiates Brand Protection Program in a bid to protect its customers from safety and financial risks,” Helena Abidin,corporate communications director of PT. BMW Indonesia, said on the sidelines of the BMW Group campaign for journalists recently.

Similar to fashion items, parts and other products of BMW are branded unlawfully with the BMW trademark and sold in the marketplace as being original, Helena said.

Auto parts expert Yip Chee Choon said that the use of fake products could weaken the functioning and safety of vehicles, which could lead to damage and even accidents.

He showed the difference between original and counterfeit parts, as well as the risk of using fake products. He did a test on an original air filter and a fake one by setting them on fire. The fake one burned completely but the original did not catch fire because it has been made with flame retardant material.

A water test on the air filter showed that the fake one became severely clogged while the original one was only slightly clogged.

Another example is the use of counterfeit alloy wheels. Alloy wheels are one of the most critical parts of the car and owners sometimes try to replace the wheels with sportier ones without considering the quality and safety factors.

Through some laboratory tests, counterfeit alloy wheels have been shown to be prone to deformation and cracking in the inner rim wall, putting the driver, passengers and pedestrians all in danger.

In order to tackle counterfeiting effectively, BMW Group is organizing training for venture partners, service providers and employees of BMW and car dealerships to raise their awareness of the problems and risks caused by counterfeit goods.

Helena said that the company also informed members of BMW Club Indonesia, as well as focusing on buyers who own old BMW models.

“Our new buyers come from the up-scale class so they have no problem in terms of financial matters. Besides, they are more aware of using only original parts,” she said, suggesting customers to only come to the BMW official centers for services.

BMW has also launched some ads to educate its customers. “Are you willing to take the risk with non-original parts?” reads one of the ads.

Fake designer bags may carry costly fines and pirated CDs may damage your player, but counterfeit engines parts could end your life and those of others.