ZF Aftermarket is highlighting the importance of using genuine original equipment (OE) quality parts, and educating the market about the dangers of counterfeit alternatives.
The increase in online parts sales in recent years has seen an influx of fake OE parts, with many consumers unaware of the dangers they pose. The ‘Keep it Real with ZF Genuine Parts’ initiative highlights the commitment of ZF Aftermarket to deliver safety and performance, reflecting the company’s OE heritage and engineering prowess.
“The resemblance of counterfeit parts to genuine ones is often misleading, concealing the potential risks related to safety and economic impact,” remarked Marco Neubold, Head of Business Line Industrial Aftermarket at ZF. “Our initiative is more than a campaign; it is a promise to our customers to provide education and awareness about the real importance of using authentic parts.”
Counterfeit parts not only compromise safety but also lead to higher operational costs, including increased fuel consumption and more frequent maintenance. Many parts have not gone through quality checks, meaning consumers are putting believe in potentially dangerous components.
Battling counterfeit parts
ZF Aftermarket believes its genuine parts initiative is vital in preserving the vehicle’s integrity and performance standards.
To help combat the entry into the market of counterfeit parts, ZF Aftermarket has implemented a comprehensive system for authenticity and part verification, including QR code scanning and direct support channels. These measures help to ensure the integrity of ZF Aftermarket products while strengthening the trust and confidence of customers and partners.
Understanding the intricate dynamics of modern applications, ZF Aftermarket is ensuring that every component is engineered to work in perfect harmony, preventing the detrimental effects of non-genuine parts on the system’s overall performance and safety.
The drive towards using genuine parts is part of ZF Aftermarket’s broader mission to enhance customer satisfaction and educate the market. The initiative aims to promote the importance of the use of genuine parts and to clarify the economic and safety ramifications of counterfeit product, supporting a well-informed distributor and workshop network that values the longevity and reliability of their customers vehicles.
ZF Aftermarket’s campaign comes after the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) announced its ‘Fake always breaks’ initative to fight the increase of counterfeit parts in the automotive aftermarket, a subject that was also discussed at the IAAF Conference in December last year.
For immediate concerns or inquiries about product authenticity, please contact ZF Aftermarket at counterfeit.zf-aftermarket@zf.com.
